The biggest problem with vintage, ime, is availability. We can talk about our dream receivers all day long, but it comes down to what is actually available that you can source (and then if you can afford it).
I know that Technics has a large fanbase, and there's vintagetechnics.co.uk that lists most of the Technics products from the 1970s to at least the 1990s - with information where available. I'm not aware of similar databases for other brands; I know Kenwood is usually under-represented online (at least in my experience of trying to find information for my various Kenwood/TRIO products).
Anyways, for what you're describing, I'm envisioning McIntosh, Technics, Marantz, and Sansui. Something like this, right:
Or are you looking for a different look? (That's a late 1970s model; as you move into the 1980s you get into black anodized or plastic faceplates and a more "digital" look - there's LOTS of nice Yamaha models you can look at (even some current production ones) that fit into that schema). Something like this:
I agree with most of what Pudu said (okay, so I skimmed, sue me) - good working order, heavy, etc. I think Technics still holds the title of "biggest, meanest" receiver ever built (the one I used an image of, the SA-1000; that's 330wpc), but I may be mistaken. Regardless, lots of these units have absolutely ridiculous power amplifiers in them (that Yamaha M80 stack is something like 250-400wpc, I don't remember the exact values, it also does Auto Class A operation)); some of them are fairly pedestrian though - featuring maybe a 20-30W amplifier. Often you'll hear people say those watts are "louder" or "more real" - this is a slippery slope. In lots of cases, older equipment has more honest ratings (its a lot easier to get 2x100W out of a box that can only draw 1800W from the wall, than it is to get 11x150W out of the same), but there's also the question of sensitivity and gain (there's a great AK post on this: http://audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=58829) - I have an old Technics that has a "1-10" volume control, and it's absolutely ear-splitting at like 3 or 4. Compared to newer equipment with digital log scales that go from -85 to +15, and usually run at around -20 to be "loud ish" that makes the Technics seem "a lot louder." But you have to consider, on that log scale, the digital unit has 100x left to go up to 0 dB (we'll assume we're talking about a quality modern unit that lives up to its ratings as well, and yes they do exist, they just tend to cost a lot).
Finally, what I'd hate to see anyone do, is pick up an old department store machine that really should've been recycled, just because of "vintage hype" - while a lot of old units are absolute maulers and can easily sit at the table with the biggest, meanest outboard amplifiers you can source from NAD, Parasound, Rotel, and CI Audio (or wherever), there's also lots of junk. Just like today. So whatever you find, it's worth doing at least a cursory search before you pull the trigger on it.
Here's a great agon example of a machine:
http://app.audiogon.com/listings/marantz-vintage-receiver-2275-shipping-included-with-as
As far as the 230v requirement - I would almost say it's best to consider 110v and 100v units as well, and get a transformer if you need it. Probably means a wider range of options.
If you're really married to that 1970s look, that's absolutely fine. But I would stress that there's lots of fantastic 1980s machines out there as well, and plug Yamaha's current receivers/integrateds (Which have remained more or less untouched since the early 1990s, and even then they were getting dated), like this:
http://usa.yamaha.com/products/audio-visual/hifi-components/amps/a-s1000_black__u/?mode=model (afaik the only difference to the "up model" is balanced connections)
I've got no idea on those speakers - I remember them being advertised here in the 'states briefly, they were relatively expensive, and then they vanished into thin air. My guess is they're probably more expense than they're worth. In the world of vintage speakers, assuming they're in good shape, I like Sansui and Technics speakers. There's always Klipsch (and they still build all of their vintage kit brand new to order: http://www.klipsch.com/heritage-speakers) as well, but I'd be careful that you don't over-pay just because you're looking at a set that PWK actually touched or something like that (unless that matters to you). If you're buying modern speakers, that's a'whole'nother story. Apart from the Klipsch Heritage set, the only "vintage looking" speakers I'm aware of are the Bose 901 (which, like the Klipsch speakers, have been in continuous production for something like 50 years); you will need an insert loop to use them (and on the note of Bose, their vintage stack (1801/4401) is an absolute monster):
You might also look at the CM1, RB-81, and maybe the new PM1 (I have not heard this one; looks dapper though! supposed to be a "baby brother" for the 805). Of all of those, the RB-81 is probably my pick (I'm really not a fan of the CM and the 802 didn't leave a strong impression). There's LOTS of nice older Technics/Sansui/etc speakers though; just as with the amps though, ensure that the crossovers checkout.
