Alex Clark addressed the problems with this particular bike a few years ago:
"Coppi used a plain steel seat pin, not an aluminum NR. Coppi would have had a steel Bianchi stem, not a later Ambrosio aluminum. Brake levers are later 61/68 models with adjusting barrels, not correct. Bianchi logo on downtube is painted-on, but should be a decal."
I'll add that the cut-out in the fork crown and the depression in the chain stay should probably be painted-in with blue (see old photos).
I think it's the same bike as shown in VeloNews supplement a few years back, an uninformed restoration by (Scapin?).
Current "bid" of $31,251 seems a bit fantastic.
Aldo Ross
> CR members may be interested to view what is claimed to be Coppi's 1950
> Paris-Roubaix winning bike for sale at F220,000. The rear derailleur is
> wrong as as are the brake levers and I think the callipers. It can be
viewed
> at http://www.raphael-geminiani.com
>
> Regards
> Hilary Stone