If you just can't resist the older exotic types, go fly a Bellanca Viking before you settle.
Very true - the speed it gets from what looks like a relatively inefficient airframe (eg the tailplane struts) goes to show that looks aren't everything. I wouldn't have one over a decent Lance/Saratoga though, mainly because I found the Viking quite cramped on the short LHS flight I had in it, whereas the Lance I spend a certain amount of time teaching in has that bit more space in the front to relax in. Maybe something to do with Bellanca's design where the seat changes height at the same time as reach - clever, but might take getting used to. Nice and simple aircraft to handle.
I just prefer the size/speed of the PA32 (140+ KTAS at 14-15GPH), although 6 seats may rather exceed the OPs needs/wants. Does sound like something like a Turbo Arrow would do the job.