That was the fun part.
It was never about what it was when it rolled off the factory line, it was what you could do with it.
Exactly, there was always something you could do to get that little extra out of them. Sure it cost, as an older feller told a kid in a speed shop I happened to be in. The kid was complaining about the price of something or another. The old man looked him square in the eye and told him. "Boy, speed costs money, now how fast you want to spend?
Rust to Riches is one of the best examples of the TV shows you mention. They do not restore the car to original specs. When they do one it looks the same but is a far better driver than when it came off the line. Everything is updated, a John Barret Engine, modern electronics, disc brakes, excellent suspension and steering, modern tires. They auction off each when they're done. You'd be surprised at how inexpensive, relatively, you can pick up one.