If cars didn't bring big money, the aftermarket restoration products wouldn't exist. I'll be the first to admit I don't get excited about date codes.or.part numbers, but the ones that do have reason to.
Plenty of affordable muscle cars out there to hot rod for young kids. They aren't 69' Camaros or V codes, but fox body mustangs/LS cars/SN95 mustangs are all affordable and speed parts are cheap.