The way to handle the problem of that beautiful classic you really don't want to ride in anything other than perfect conditions...is to find *another* one, that's thrashed, and ride THAT one all the time.
I've done this...the only problem is, I end up making the thrashed one look so pretty I don't want to ride IT, either!
I have solved this problem recently, by acquiring a totally thrashed, but still intact, 1975 Carlsbad Masi GC frame/fork/headset/bb. Cheap. This thing is toast. But the paint's worth saving, the graphics are all there...it just has a lot of patina. A...LOT...of...patina, if ya know what I mean. Thanks to a generous list member (to whom I still owe a check, it's coming, it's coming!), I now have a thrashed parts group to put on this thrashed Masi, and will have no problem riding it anywhere, anytime. Cost me less than 500 bucks, complete, and will still be an eyecatcher.
Charles "who needs a reissue? I'll take a beater classic any day" Andrews Los Angeles
PS: if someone made a perfect reproduction of a 1960s Pogliaghi road bike, right down to the geometry, the finish details and the graphics, it'd be a damned nice bike--and I might even buy one, 'cause if it was a true reproduction it would ride to-die-for--but it still wouldn't be a Pogliaghi. A lovely tribute, yes, but the real thing is the real thing
PPS: another solution to the problem of riding your beautiful classic in the rain, or other risky conditions, for those who can't be seen without a flawless finish under them...get a beater classic cheap and have it repainted. It's not original anymore, so you can beat it up all you want, right? No biggie ;>