As a kid, back in 1971, I used to ride centuries on my Continental. Now it was flat, but still...
If I had it now (it was stolen in 1975), I would do basic maintenance on it for sure (original cables, 41 years later?), replacing cables, housings, bearings and grease. Personally, I would find an alloy wheelset (used of course, 27 inch used alloy wheels can be found cheap), flush the freewheel, new chain, and tires, and go. If I got ambitious, I would also do the crankset upgrade, several around here have done that. Realize that the list I have above, you will be upside value wise. But since you enjoy riding it, that really doesn't matter.
I've got two Continentals hanging in the shed right now, one my size. I'll probably do what I described above, and keep it for the heck of it.