Not so much 'back in the day' as I'm flying them now however the Beaver is the most "real" aircraft. Ergonomics aren't even considered, but from priming the engine and using the wobble pump to build the fuel pressure up, you can't help but smile as the aircraft fires cylinder by cylinder into life.
Can't help but smile with every start up! Flying how it once was.
By the way, a few dehavillands have made the list!