[DanielDudley]

We don't use the word refurbished. But people do restore to ''better than new'', and I think that making the assumption that keeping every example of every car in some kind of archival state of perfection is a desirable thing is false. Certain cars will always have value because of what they are, restored, refurbished or whatever, say a Ferrari GTO. Other cars will never have a fantastic value because of what they are, unless they have some sort of distinction that makes them stand out from the masses, like being the very first Miata off the production line, or being the prototype TR2. Some cars will be accepted for having ''period correct'' modifications. Some will find favor as being currently eligible for certain competition groups.

Others will be valued as Outlaws, or branded types. Think Emory, Singer, or Magnus Walker. In short, as long as there is money to spend on old cars, and one can drive them, there will be an ass for every seat, at least in our lifetimes. The idea that every car needs to be factory correct is probably false, at least in terms of restoration. The idea that pristine cars should remain low miles and pristine to hold value however, is probably correct - as long as they remain driveable.

When I realized that people were not washing or cleaning barn find cars to preserve the wonderful patina of being stored in a chicken coop, that was when I started to see the emperors new clothes mentality in the upper end of the old car ''movement''. In the end, it is you and your car. What you do with it and to it is up to you.

If you are looking to fall into a financial niche with it, have a rationale, and knock yourself out.