Got my private in a 1971 Grumman AA-1A. I'd recommend an older, steam gauge plane for your initial training, but don't choose that one, or really any AA-1A for that matter unless you enjoy 1500ft takeoff rolls and spinning into your demise.

Instrument in a SR-20, Multi-Commercial in a Seminole, CFI in an Arrow, and I now teach in an SR-20. I'd recommend doing your instrument in a plane with at least a current IFR GPS. It'll increase your approach capabilities greatly and that's where the industry is going.