I was in need of parts to repair the crashed Alfa, so I called my local French car parts mob. Sadly, they'd been excommunicated by the Cit importers - who also do Alfa.
However... As with all decent businees, they had a backdoor starting point. "Call this fellow and say I sent you." Instruction duly followed; said chap unable to assist but apologetic. "You should talk to so-and-so."
Armed with recommendation to cite, I phoned. "Send me some pictures." He seemed decent enough; plan 1.4 swung into action. Anyone can kick tyres on the phone, but a dedicated person drops off purpose-taken 7×5 photos of the damage. After a good twenty-five minute chat, we struck a deal that works well for both parties.
By pure coincidence, he had just been offered a rear hit car that matched my front hit for model and year. It's funny; I had been putting off the legwork until I felt "Paris" the 405 was under control, and then everything fell into place. And, probably wouldn't have happened so nicely if I didn't know a decent bunch of French parts suppliers to begin with.
It's a neat little loop.
A very heartwarming tale...