Saving Old Seagulls

I have a non-functioning Villiers coil in my 1960 Century LLS. I know, I know, the obvious thing to do is to order a new one online. But let's step aside from that thought for a minute.
Is there any other, more common coil, that is known to work in these engines with only the coil being different? Is there any way to install another coil and make it work with the existing setup?
Someday I will get me a new Villiers coil but right now I'm too cheap, so

I would like to fire the engine up and the only real thing stopping me is the coil..therefore, I would love to try some other solution.

So please guys, give me your best ideas and lets leave those obvious "buy a villiers coil"- comments unsaid.

This can become quite an interesting thread

I think this will help

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=4172&hilit=3114

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=4254

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=2137

Just to get a motor running for your own pleasure - and non critical use - then the shorter villiers type ( chinese ? ) coils at £20 squid are a good bet. ( Green spark co ltd )
OK - the body is shorter - the grub screws are only 'just' going to grip - but there is a good solid bar in that lug anyways. You only have to mod the HT dimple with a small solder pad.
You won't sort anything cheaper seems to me - but I have no idea what they are like in terms of reliabilty.
Who makes the 'proper' villiers coils ?