For driveability, reliability, safety AND nostalgia, a restomod is ideal. That's what I build most of the time. Restomod is the official term for: modern, updated drivetrain, some suspension and steering upgrades and brakes with the original body and interior. But everyone has their own opinion about what kind or "restore" or "preserve" to do. If you are a pilot you will need a V8 and probably a Big Block to be happy.
Restomods are NOT hot rods, they still have the look and feel of original. They are very well liked by many and fetch great prices at Barrett-Jackson and such. Some restomods are very subtle and can be returned to near original. Plenty of aftermarket parts require little or no mods. I'm not talking about a Camaro front end and different frame and ford 9". Right now you are talking AD, I am a TF guy. They are easier to restomod than AD. 12V system, open driveshaft, bigger engines (V8's), more parts, overall more modern engineering but still old. IMHO.
