I think to see a car of 20 or more years vintage with still all it's original paint, panels and never having seen a welder but still be in mint condition impresses me because it's a real credit to its owner/s and how it's been looked after over many years. I mean anyone can throw a shed load of money at say, a Mk.2 Escort RS1800 for eg. with a body and chassis like cheesecloth - paint, powdercoat or chrome everything in sight, and although it's impressive to look at, personally I'd respect it more if it were all original although it would less visually impressive.

I know that in many cases with old Fords, restoration is the only option and members on here don't simply hand it over to a restoration specialist with an empty chequebook, and almost everything that I've seen on this site is done themselves which a credit to them and always impressive.