Powdercoating has several advantages for using on cast bases and tops.
Toughness-chip resistance
Originality- looks more like old baked enamel with a 90-94 % gloss. Has orange peel of old enamel.
The downside:
Color matching to skins/sheetmetal
Gloss is not compatible to bc/cc
Will not cover flaws in early castings
Durability - some colors won't stand up in outdoor conditions
If smoothness and gloss is the look you're after, bc/cc over high fill 2K will create that look.
On visibles, I have powder coated the base, internals, and frame with the top casting still in place (much cheaper and easier than painting) scuffed the base and top with
220 grit and used clear urethane over the powdercoat for gloss and durability.
I once did a short Tok 39 for a old Texaco Jobber. I shot it in bc/cc, 1500, and buffed. When I delivered it, he said "its nice but thats not what they looked like"
I took another pump, worked the dents but left the rivet puckers etc, and powdercoated it blood red. He loved it!!!
Its all personal taste.