I wasn't even looking, but a contractor who worked at my place of work told someone that he was having a garage sale and there was a bike for sale. Sure enough, someone directed me to the wiring installer in back and he said he had a Masi for sale. I went and bought it for $450. I think it's a '73, based on the NR derailer, it's orange, 56cm, entirely original, if a little rough, still sporting sewups on the original Nisi rims.
I've since learned a bit about it's value, but not really sure what I have here. There's no serial number anywhere, even the steerer. Just a 5 and a 6 on the bb at the base of the downtube with no other markings! I looked many times, very carefully. No "MC" either, just a 5 and a 6, for 56cm. It's all original paint and decals, and has a huge M coutout in the shell. At 5'11" it's clearly a size small for me, but rides straight as an arrow and magically holds it's line despite working the pedals at the limit during our local training rides. I've never ridden a bike with such balance and neutral steering.
Any clues about this specimen and it's lack of numbers? The fork crown is normal box-style, fwiw. The top tube is also 56cm and it's still got the Masi saddle, NR pedals and Benotto tape.
I'm inclined to try and sell it and am wondering what this one is worth.
David Snyder (now in Auburn, CA)