>>>>>"Prestige" is similar to "Gran Criterium" and both are a continuation of Masi's (the father's) frame building heritage. The GC was introduced in
1970, and the Prestige circa 1978. Or so I think.<<<<<
My understanding is that the Gran Criterium name went to the California operation, and that subsequent "Gran Criterium" frames made in Italy were called Prestige. I have an Italian Prestige believed to be a 1975 model. It has a Fisher BB shell with top-mounted cable guides. Alberto Masi's name is on the top tube. It came equipped with a first generation "full" Super Record group, which would also correspond to the '75 time frame. I got this bike from the second owner, who had it for over 20 years and was a friend of the original owner, so I have no reason to suspect it is not completely original.
Can anyone verify the existence of any post '73-ish Italian built "Gran Criteriums"?
Wayne Bingham
Falls Church, VA