A correctly restored 66 Dart HP car usually fetches around $20,000. You'd easily have that much in it or more unles you started with a extremely nice car. But then why restore it at that point. They are only original once.
Start building a hot rod with a solid base. Pull the 273 and set it in the corner and build a 408 and go have some fun.
I'm sure that would be a much better base to start off with than the one I have, but I wouldn't feel as free to do whatever I want to the car. I mean, even changing the color would be a hurdle.
A really weathered California/Arizona/Texas/(whatever other state that doesn't have rust) car would be the best IMO. Minimal rust repair work needed and complete.