the problem is uk classics are getting old and if they havent been looked after bodywork wise, since new, then they are starting to show it now. this is what costs the money to put right.
the likes of yer shocks, bearings etc are just wear and tear items that need replaced after a certain usage which is fair enough. fit the parts your self and they cost pennies to replace.
im going to be selling my uk too, mechanically its fine, but ive already replaced one rear arch (cost a fair bit) and given what the cars book value is now it wont be economical to do more bodywork if any other issues arise further down the line. once any panels have been repaired they wont last as long as clean looked after originals IMHO.