I have a 56. Mostly stock. I have driven it twice to the west coast and back (NJ) without any major problems. Plus other shorter trips - this year I went to Springfield MO.
Like any car, it must be road worthy. The early birds, when they were built, performed as well as any other car on the road. People used them as their daily drivers.
These cars are now 50+ years old, so they must be gone through to make sure they are road worthy.
I find mine comfortable (I'm 5'9") and easy to drive. I have the stock seat.
Parts are relatively easy to get although your neighborhood parts store doesn't stock parts for them.
