I'm sure someone descibed this before.
In the 70's Mel Pinto from D.C./Virginia area imported Gitanes fior the east and midwest regions. One model was a low end fixed gear. It was comparable in build to the "interclub" model. It had a hi-tension steel frame, steel cottered crank set (nervar, solida), wheels with Normandy hubs and Mavic rims, a Pivo stem and bars, and a plastic saddle with a conventional steel seat post. Can't remember the pedals, probably low end lyotard
It sold in the mid 100's. It was a good value for the young racer who wanted to try track without spending a fortune to do so. It was also good as an early season trainer. We were told to start the season riding a low fixed gear. It was cheap enough so that you didn't worry about chipped paint, corrosion and other deteriorating aspects of riding in cold/wet parts of the country.
Todd Teachout
Hercules, CA