Mick, I am a wood worker also did our 53 Chevy with Cherry and Purpleheart. I have 3 coats of Watco Danish oil followed by 7 Coats of Helmsmans Spar Polyurthane Our 53 is also a maroon! I have a site with some photos if you are interested. Good luck on you project !!
http://s159.photobucket.com/user/sworden73/library/?sort=3&start=all&page=3