I have one of the old Gibson Gothic Explorers. My favorite guitar. I'd really like a V too. And no thank you on the no stuffy table 80s cheese. Graphite nuts, ebony boards, no inlay except for the old Gibson insignia (the halfmoon and star, I guess the "muslim" connotation keeps them from using it, which is more than a little idiotic since the symbol has nothing to do with Islam) and a very eerie photo of Orville on the back of the headstock. I remember they went on a fire sale at mf for funny prices back in the day when they were discontinued. A lot of them had horrible QC though.
That 7 string V is indeed hideous, I hate the early style Vs. Gibson lost the plot a long time ago. Give me a fully solid maple capped black triple bound LP with an ebony board and I'll be a happy camper. I'm not paying them what they ask for their historic line though.