My son is picking this up in Tennessee this weekend. A really nice survivor. very solid car. Great running engine almost perfect interior. I’ve always like the look of these cars. I’m sure I’ll have a part in helping along the way. Plans are to make it a sled with changes to the rear roof/trunk and drive it.
That car is too nice to cut up. Just repaint the top to match and lower it a bit. If you can find some speed equipment for the motor even better. There are plenty of cars out there to cut up, this is not one of them. But it's your car, do what you want. This is just my not asked for opinion.
Back when Zocchi, D'agostino and Dore were creating their timeless customs they specifically targeted "survivors" or restored cars because it saved time and money by not having to chase down missing or broken pieces. It's just a car and they made more than one, my advice is to live your dream.