"Or can someone hazard a guess what year the number 179 with MC 60 (I assume that means Masi California or Carlsbad and 60 refers to size) stamped in the bottom bracket represents?"
There is something tricky about the MC- Check Archives I can't remember exactly but doesn't mean Carlsbad-made necessarily. Mine has MC but is actually an 83 GC made in San Marcos and Tesch who built it confirmed that much.I think Brian elucidated this MC thingy once a long time ago.
Best Wishes MC (Mark Breakaleggo Cutrufelli)
Laurel,MD