Brandosees,
The Utility cycling
http://www.bikeforums.net/forumdispl...tility-Cycling
And Commuting forums, might also be good sources of advise.
http://www.bikeforums.net/forumdisplay.php/20-Commuting
As for me I'd say just about any RJB would work, (regular Japanese Bike.) Any of a dozen companies made serviceable and quite capable machines in the 1975-1990 era. Panasonic Bridgestone, Centurion, Fuji, Miyata, Nishiki, and Univega all made machines that will fit your use admirably. All of which are also easy to maintain and source parts for.
Classic and Vintage is it's own little world, we are our own little community focused on a fairly specific little corner of our hobby. We don't really work in quick answers and absolutes, because in vintage bicycles, quick answers and absolutes rarely exist.