Of the older styles, Mafacs seem to work the best and will actually attempt to stop you, though they require a lot of fiddling to set up. Then there is the squealing.
The older Tiger and Top 63 are cool if you can find any.
I've had good luck with Universals, if the levers don't break. Weinmanns are ok I guess, except for the looks, unless you find some 60s 999s. Not really right without the safety levers however. :-)
I have some GBs on my Falcon, very cool looking, but I have not ridden it enough to say if they work or not.
For functionality and availability I'd say Mafacs.
Ted Williams Always hated centerpulls in Oakland: musta been that cheap Gitane.
Whatever, if you're going to ride it find some modern replacement pads that aren't hard as stones.