Dream ride of mine... in the "sleeper" category... either this one, or this:
John G?s Sears Ted Williams Sports Racer | Old Ten Speed Gallery

I remember someone in our group of riders, back in the late 80's, who had an Asian made Sears Free Spirit, which he had flipped on some alloy rim/alloy hub wheels (a practice many of us did to our entry level bike shop bicycles, to soup up their performance). His bike seemed just as competent as just about anyone else's ride in our group, give or take. So, I guess it depends on what circles you ride in...