When a car is approaching 60 years old as many of the todays Pagodas are there are either 3 ways to fully enjoy them.
First, the car is bought with very low original miles and has been kept in a garage, somewhere dry, regularly serviced and looked after (single owner etc) through it life.
Secondly you buy a car restored by someone who has done a competent job that is documented and done correctly based on a decent evaluation of what was necessary starting with the body without paint.
Third you buy a car and have it restored yourself by someone competent, taking it back to bare metal, carrying out a true assessment and building it back giving each part any attention it needs.
This is the reason these vintage cars someone end up very expensive although it might be said it could be even more expensive ignoring this advice and buying a car based on appearance only to find out you then need to follow step 3 from above.
A full restoration is allot of work, but it gives you back a car that can be used and enjoyed without the worry an old car can give. It also increases the cars value dramatically and become more desirable to own as your not selling a car with potential problems. What is very important is using the period correct and original where possible components on the car (Mercedes have correct carpets, upholstery, chrome pieces and even small things like speakers, wood and trims can easily be spotted as incorrect if not managed correctly.