I really like having bikes from different places (countries) with approprate equipment on them for their era. For example; I have 1 British (Bob Jackson) racing bike from the early 70's with original N.R. I no longer pay to much attention to British bikes for sale, unless its really cool. If a really cool, cheap or odd British bike surfaced near me, I'd snap it up, but it would have to meet 2 of the 3 requirements. So far im up to:

England - Bob Jackson, N.R.
Switzerland - Cilo, has N.R but really needs Shimano 600 or so
Japan - Zunow, will have Dura-Ace 7400
Italy - Masi, Corsa Record; Freschi, Chorus
America - Schwinn, 9 speed campy (commuter); Cannondale, 80's mix of shimano

I also try to find handbuilt frames. I much prefer the idea of a craftsman brazing each tube with love, rather than a factory worker doing it for a pay-check (let me dream ok). I also want to put together a hand crafted American frame with all American components, big money and lots of time to find all the stuff, but again, I can dream right. I have been sitting on a Zeus Superchronos group for years trying to find a suitable Spanish frame to match. French stuff really doesnt appeal to me: I dont know why. The only way I would build a Franco-bike is if I could find a full Mavic group, I do like those starfish cranks and erector-set derailleurs!

WjV