FWIW, my Dad bought a '51 Chevy car brand new in '51--'ol 216. He ran that car until '61, accumilating well in excess of 100,000 miles before it finally gave up due to a cracked block (he didn't get antifreeze in it in time for a sudden cold snap). The engine (without an oil filter) got the requisite 3000 mile oil changes, and survived with no rod knocks or exhaust smoke. So I would say--if it ain't already got an oil filter, leave it off.
