What these guys are telling you is good info.
Really doesn't matter, key is making what you have work for you and getting seat time.
Age doesn't matter either, it's just dumb metal. If you have access to a welder you can make anything work.
Johnny Heydenreich won races last year with an early 90s beast, I was competitive with a 90 ellis.
I won a championship with a 92 Stapp in 07 that was twisted like a pretzel.
If it's bent you'll have to scale the car instead of blocking the car like everyone says you "must do".
As long as you get your axles square and your torque ball is free, scale it n let her eat!
No matter what chassis you get always inspect it for cracks.
The most important advice you can get is don't pinch pennies on your safety gear, it's your ass in the seat, protect it the best you can.