Excellent thread. My $0.02. Survivor cars are an important bench mark to the hobby. Typically showing how crude these cars came off the assembly line consistent with the level of acceptance at the time. These cars are increasingly rare and should be preserved best practical.
Alternatively, if previously painted, rust or collision repaired all originality bets are off. If you have never closely inspected a truly magnificent show car, you owe it to yourself. A trip to SEMA or other show to seek out a Ridler Award winner, Foose's work or a handful of others. Beyond breath taking. Not just the paint, but panel alignment, uniform gaps, and perfection in form no stamping die of glass mold can yield.
Such is the route I went and 10 years later have no regrets. I don't give a rat's ass about attracting a crowd or foolish show trophies. It's what makes me happy. The best being when I push it out of the secret lair on a late, warm summer night. Then let the side oiler stretch its legs on deserted interstate for several miles.