Given that the van currently has a stupid graphite clutch as long as it hangs in till the new wngines built, would it be possible for the hybrid to be fitted with a later type clutch?

It's not the clutch that's graphite, just the wanky bearing.

Sam Ecas sell a 'later type' clutch that has the holes for the bolts of a spring clutch?
Correct me if I'm mostaken

OK, "M-I-S-T-A-K-E-N".

ok
Its "mistaken"
that's you "corrected"

edit- too easy. actually perhaps its "most taken" ie he really likes it?

You're right, but it wouldn't fix Sam's problem, which is to do with the strange and rather terrible clutch fitted to really early cars. Both the three spring and diaphragm clutches have a proper release bearing, which spins when it comes into contact with the clutch springs. Sam's car has a circular piece of graphite which is static and releases the clutch by squealing at it.

Can I do anything about this? Like a new clutch? What would mate to the gearbox?

I've got what appears to be a reasonable static clutch in the shed. It's the one out of the Ami. If it's any use to you you're welcome to it, but I don't think it'll be any better than what you've already got. The only way to get a later clutch is to fit a later gearbox, as far as I know. And I presume you don't want to do that.

Not really wanting to change the gearbox... cheers RT, I'll see what mines like so hang on to it!

I've never looked at one so I might be talking out of my arse, but it must be possible to modify stuff, release arm, gearbox, or the bearing itself, to use a later type bearing.