I went into a restoration facility near here recently. There wasn't room to walk between the cars, they were squeezed in so tightly.
Beautiful cars. I talked with the guy about how difficult and expensive it was "nowadays" to get the chrome for them. Used to be they could have it done around the corner.
Well, not only that...if you didn’t want a beautiful showroom classic or resto-rod...
I’m sure you could find the car of your choice in solid condition in a Southern, Midwest or Western state and have it gone through without the heart-stopping expense of a “Chip Foose” rebuild.
Take a modern Silverado chassis...do a computer ripout and mount a 57 Chev pickup on it. Or take any full frame car and graft a modern front suspension subframe to it.
Add a modern engine, complete with EFI and distributorless ignition (not COP) and avoid any other computerized claptrap including TPMS, ABS and PCM automatic transmission.
We like disc brakes, modern tires, modern suspension, rack and pinion, real dual exhaust. (converters are not the worst thing in the world)...I’d also say probably cruise control, A/C and sound systems. Maybe an electric window for the passenger side and cushy seats.
Use an uncomplicated traditional wiring harness and hit the road.
Register it as an antique, or whatever vintage the body happens to be. Leave it rusty if you want.