I do believe that the Strat is THE seminal Fender, and that its design--done seat of the pants by Leo Fender and Freddy Tavares--is intuitively flawless, both aesthetically and functionally, hence its continued success for some 54 years now. I just tend to mourn those who buy them as if there was no other choice, and the pack mentality that pervades the copycat market, too.
That having been said, I do not lust after overpriced vintage instruments, don't see the charm in fake relics, and find Superstrats generally unappealing. There are two Strats I want to own--for looks AND the sound, which stands on its own, just like the sound of a toaster-equipped Rick in unmistakeable.
Last week, thanks to the intercession of bandmate and good buddy George (who did a quick BIN for me, when this one popped up on a relist), I got kitted out with one of my two remaining wanteds: a 2007 Made in America 50th Anniversary Strat. To my eyes, it's the prettiest Strat around, although the gold plating makes it a bit impractical, I'll admit. It won't get heavy use, though, despite the INCREDIBLE sound. It has a thin wash lacquer paint job in light tan, white guard, and aged pickup covers and knobs. Amber nitro neck, vintage headstock decal, gold hardware. Gorgeous American-made tweed G&G case, plush orange lining and lots of padding, too. It was unused, under-the-bed, with all tags and case candy still in the sealed bag, including a 5-pole switch should updating be desired.
Yesterday I was at my buddy Bob's house, fishing around in his guitar vault. Among his more-than-100 notables (and at least 20 vintage Ricks) including Dave Edmund's 335 and a couple of sets of Entwhistle's stage clothing, is Bob's 1954 Strat--#0012, well-worn, oft-played and a GENUINE relic, whose appeal and aura are both undeniable.
Anyway, pics:
It joins my metalflake Lime Gold Dick Dale Strat with the '59 pickups. The one remaining one I want is a '54 reissue two-tone burst.
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( i bit like yer heid) 
