Help! Direct Gloss or more modern paint with laquer?

Firstly apologies if what I am about to type offends any of the purists. Either with my general noobness or my unintended two fingers to the purists. With that in mind..

I inherited a Escort Mk3 1.1 Popular and briefly toyed with the idea of building a baddass sleeper but decided I want to create a cool funky head turner that draws from 3i's and RS1600i's. So it wont be a concourse resto. More of a frankenstein.

So after stripping and inspecting I am very happy with the condition and have decided to have the small body problems repaired followed by paint.

But after speaking to the painters have received different opinions. Basically direct gloss for a more authentic look or a clear laquer finish for a more modern look.

I really have no idea. So put it to the room, what do you think? And thanks