Phoned the DVLA today. Told them of the problem of re-registering and it turns out that because the car was written off pre 2003, I can just change the VIN number and the car is registered. Well, that's easy! I was expecting bureaucratic nonsense but a helpful man on the end of the phone explained it was really that simple. Time now to make up a 17 digit chassis number for the car. I am once again, a happy bunny.
Now to phone for insurance :-/