The problem is the CSS, I've had it drummed into my head for longer than I can remember that in-line code is BAD BAD BAD NAUGHTY EVIL and that we should always use CSS.
Truth be told, it is far easier to write with CSS once you get the hang of it and I can't really think of how to do a proper CMS without it. So you'd have to use old code and PHP 4 is dying. Many servers are removing it. I removed it from my servers a long time ago and I wasn't the first.
There really should be a retro CMS that sticks to the old rules, but I've never heard of one.
