Thought I would update this.
I did in fact get proven to be 100% not at fault. The other party did not have insurance. Thankfully, my policy states in such a scenario I get paid the market value (up to $5000).
 
I was paid out just shy of that (~$4850)  and kept the wreck. Considering my intial purchase cost, I was quite chuffed with that arangement.
 
So after close to 8 months it sits like this.

 
My neighbourhood has now dubbed this Herby, simply put - the little thing will not die.

Basically need to finsh the body off (wiper cowl, gen 3 tail lights, foglights, headlight surroumds etc), reassemble interior (GT leather/suede seats) , regas AC, put the Enkeis back on it and then use it a a daily.

 

hey man i got a friend who regasses if you need

Cheers, will let you know. I actually left it running today and got quite cold. May be alright - either way, at my rate will be a few months till I need to worry about it.