Cool video.
There is NO doubt that modern vehicles are far far safer than the classic cars of yesteryear. Hell, when we were kids, my dad had a 64 Pontiac Strato Chief with a straight 6 in it. Thing was so plain Jane, it didn't even HAVE seat belts. (I think the old man may have taken them out actually.)
Anyway, airbags, ABS, proper seats, energy absorbing unibody construction, side impact resistant doors, head restraints, traction control - all have made cars safer than ever.
But if you offered me the choice of a "free car"- the 59 Bel Air or the 2009 Malibu - I'd take the 59 Bel Air.