This is a great opening for opinion.

If in your shoes, I would completely service, clean and keep it original... even if it looks somewhat tired. The storyline is more remarkable and to many, if considering monetary value a better find.

Its also largely about the character of this bike. Less percentage of finding an original from the first owner. And you're riding it. Too cool!

On the other hand, they made large numbers of this production racer, not rare but was a super value and well proven winner in pro racing. So if restoring with repainting is your wish, do enjoy the project.

I have a bike acquired from a few years back and left me in a similar debate. UK made, circa 1972 Whitcomb tt racer. Really tattered looking but all there and original from one owner. Most would repaint it but after I was holding just the old frame my mind zeroed in on 'its only original once' plus with having bits of its origin, story, the continents it was ridden.

Decided then to smooth out the nasty edges take care of the surface corrosion and then multi rub down with wax. No clear coat. Sorted out the components, fresh brake blocks and period vintage tubulars, new but like the period cloth bar wrap.

Love this bike and especially while on Sat. group rides when the fast kids are on modern high zoot bikes. Have to say and I do grin when they compliment the 'old school' and as raced look. Hard to explain but it seems to say 'thanks for the respect'!

This particular bike is all race business, no fancy graphics or loud color paint. Just plain silver with white letters of the brand. That's all.

Funny and the contrary is when I show up to these rides on something fresher or painted, the reactions are meh and the snub of 'get a new bike, man'.