In the mid-later 80's ('85-'88) my 1972 road bike was just old. I was a student, barely pieced it back together, Campagnolo 980 rear mech. ( Suntour was better but the bike was European).
There were guys looking for the newest, first generation SIS who were willing to sell old race bikes cheap, but no money to take advantage of that.

After graduation and with $ in the wallet, Student loans paid off, I bought a Ritchey mtb.

Next "vintage" purchase was in 2001, a Pinarello Montello, found in the local classifieds.