Turned out to be the head gasket after all, leaking down the side of number 1 cylender rather than into it, which is why the first guy never spotted it I guess, althought the con rod has slightly bent which means the starting problem isnt going to go away anytime soon. Got the window and a ball joint fixed and replaced, kinda back on the road again at last, see what the MOT brings.
I would say I hate it, but having been car less for a week, I'm sooooooo glad to have it back LoL, might even wash it this week!