Just a little update, in case anyone's still interested.
Librands round mirrors fitted (convex glass) - much better but a fiddle to fit as they are slightly oversize compared to the original and required a slot cutting in the grey plastic ferrule.
Clear front indicators fitted (SVC about £20), and dateless registration finally transferred.
With a bit of slightly more spirited driving to counteract the first 2.5 years of relative inactivity, the 1.8 Zetec is now loosening up nicely and proving great fun to drive on the local A and B roads. I'm getting used to the steering and handling which are quite different to anything I've driven before, it's very agile on twisty roads (though heavy steering in low speed manoeuvres). And I've still not had to put the hood up!
At last I now have three keys. It was handed over with just one and the others have not been found. I had to order 2 new keys from MMC via the dealer (key part no MDE1986, transponder chip part no MDE1987) and have the keys cut by a local specialist who also recoded the ECU and keys at a reasonable cost of £50. Finding the diagnostic port was the hardest part - well hidden up under the glovebox FWIW. The dealer is going to reimburse the cost. So it is not correct that a lost master key requires a new ECU. If anyone else finds themself in this situation, I now know what needs to be done and have kept details. It is a Ford ECU/immobiiser system, yet the key itself is a Freelander key - adapted to take a Texas 4D transponder - and is unique to MMC (surprise surprise) so you can't just order one from an aftermarket supplier.
Previous clutch feet have nearly worn through the trans tunnel cover - subject of another thread. My car has leather seats but all the rest appears to be vinyl. Strange.
