Value of Stock vs. Modified to Increase Driveability

I will throw a quick spin on this. I am 30 years old and bought a 1972 Duster for more than I should have based on what and how much of it was needed to bring it up to something safe and good. So I crunch the value number only to be sure I spend in the right places. My car is original slant 6 that has been swapped to 340/727/8.75, and still retained slant k frame, suspension, and brakes. So my special case is that the value is in what it has become, so I decided power disc brake setup correct for 1973, 5x4.5 pattern 15” wheels, new beefy suspension, and interior including correct bucket seats. My decision is what I want is the 1972 340 Duster that could be bought... used in the late 70s early 80s, but can actually make a turn or stop with today’s traffic.

As a younger person, I will say all the stick shift cars that everyone wanted back then and now, for the younger the collector, they can’t drive stick shift... so automatics will probably be more valuable than stick in another 5-10 years... If muscle cars are still valuable...

If you enjoy stick shift and plan to keep it, build it that way, cause the value you put in it for yourself is more important cause the future is uncertain.

PS: I chose automatic for my car not because I can’t shift manuals, but because I don’t want to pay big money for a stick shift when I don’t drive stick shift enough to be good at it... maybe some day...