Are we getting more for our money??

For me, less = more. Less complication=more fun.

I'll take manual steering, manual disc brakes and manual valvebody, over anything else. I will admit, that a/c is starting to become appealing as I get older, but I can live without it.

I tend to get nervous just thinking about taking a long trip in anything with an in tank fuel pump...

I'd go anywhere worry free, with or without a basic tool set, in something from the good old days.

My way is not best for everybody, I know, but is best for me.
I convert most of my old cars to manual steering.... Often I do manual brakes as well .. LOL... The more room around the engine, the happier I am :)
I do agree, AC is important to me, but not so much on my classics. Obstructs the view of a beautiful engine (even if it has peeled paint and grease!)