For me, the bike that set my heart alight when I began riding was a Hetchins - actually a pair of Hetchins, owned by a couple who rode with the LA Wheelmen back in the early 1970's. I was a snot nosed junior racer who had scraped enough money together to buy an old Frejus from Mulrooney's in Paramount, CA. It had the steel Magistoni cranks and Campy Record hubs stamped with the "Wolsit" brand in the center of the shell. I loved the way that Frejus rode, but the sheer artistry of the fancy lugs and curly stays on the Hetchins was amazing!
Since that time, I have owned two Hetchins, a 1987 Magnum Opus reputed to be one of the last touched by Jack Denny (and now owned by a fellow lister) and a 1972 Italia that I am currently building up (purchased through the same lister!).
Cheers, Mark (Oh my god, it's 70 degrees in Arcata. Time for a ride!) Ritz
P.S. If any of the list is going to Interbike, stop by and say "Hi" at the Yakima booth!