What happened to the reasonably priced project car?

Reasonable priced project cars? Most were bought back in the 80's 90's, some even 10 years ago.
There are 3 routes available.
Projects?
1. Buy an older resto. Is it still solid? Was the work done correctly back then? Do you require a good driver or a show poodle?
2. Buy a car that has never been touched. Get a complete one unless you want to spend $$$$$ for missing parts. Gets expensive. Be realistic as to time, costs, and abilities.
3. Buy a project someone has tired of, given up on. Can be the best deal because NO ONE wants a car someone else took apart! The work they did, is it satisfactory?? Did thy get get bored, or find out they bought a pig in a poke??? Grade 3 bolts and ...........
Remember, put lipstick on a turd, it is still a turd.