The Via de Oro from that era may have Univega's Bi-Axial Power Oval frame, which is pretty nifty looking. Some had a spatter-paint scheme too. Should make for a good bike to build up to your preferences.
There's an entire thread on the C&V forum dedicated to converting older style mountain bikes and MTB-lite type hybrids. Most folks seem to prefer drop bars, but I like swept albatross bars on my early '90s Univega Via Carisma. It's a nice city bike configuration that's also competent for casual gravel rides, both comfortable and reasonably aero for long casual rides.