Thanks, Dave. Yes, a few home comforts can be added but best not to make it too comfortable!
The idea of a pit was considered but the work involved really didn't make sense at the time. Also, looking back I would have put it in the wrong place! A lift makes more sense but I would have had to raise the walls which would involve potential planning permission issues. Coach built cars do allow the body to be removed, but “been there done that” and I would rather not repeat the process at this stage of my life. I am told that a four post lift is necessary for a more flexible ladder frame chassis, the two post are fine for monocoque cars only.
The alternative is a decent jack with well made axle stands using large blocks of wood as secondary security. Beware many Chinese made products with poor welding. The better ones are those with good quality control oversight. You pays your money. . . .
Comfort is also a consideration, matting has already been discussed in the entries above but another “luxury” would be a rolling car creeper board with padding where most needed. American railway modellers have the option of a “cherry picker” type of assistant to reach over layouts, an idea derived from the automotive workshop, but these don’t seem to be available in the UK.
So my option includes a trolley jack rated at 2,5 tons and with 4x4 extension to get a good lift together with axle stands. Large square offcuts of treated lumber will provide the added security should a weld fail or a jack slip.
Three IKEA wall cabinets were delivered yesterday to add to the storage capability. That will be enough for the time being.