Being a bit late to the party.....
I too want to keep the original flavor of the stock console but have a bit of modern as well.
As cheesy as they may seem, the add-on center console arm rest available from the resto houses are super nice to have. For track days/shows etc. it's very easy to just lift it off and set aside.
https://www.classicindustries.com/pr.../hh6367rd.html
I made a mod to add a downward lip that indexes to the back edge of the stock seat belt holder hole. That way the armrest does not slide back under vigorous acelleration ;-)