I think if there were an option for a 8.8 or 9 inch rear with a modern independant A arm front and coil overs front and rear that could cut considerable cost and make the alloy cars more popular. Maybe a way to use a Flaming River rack?? The down side is, would it dilute the high end period correct version?
I know Mercedes worried about this for years in the US market. They finally introduced that 190e at the entry level back in the 80's and didn't do as much damage as expected to the top end.
There just has to be something to signify which class of car it is.
Maybe a perky butt for the lower priced car.
Just my $.02
Scott