[CR]RE.: The Ben Lawee Bertoni

(Example: Framebuilders:Norman Taylor)

From: "GCJ" <p2vp26na@intergate.com>
To: "Classic Rendezvous" <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Date: Thu, 1 Feb 2007 09:54:49 -0600
Subject: [CR]RE.: The Ben Lawee Bertoni

I find this discussion very informative. When I found my Bertoni I learned that Ben Lawee had imported them, but nothing more. I thought initially that perhaps famous industrial designers Flaminio Bertoni (Citroen) or Nuccio Bertone (Ferrari, Lamborghini and many others) were involved with the Bertoni Bicycle. They were not. As was pointed out here, Ben Lawee made up the Bertoni name. I wonder if he thought the bicycle name would be associated with these designer\u2019s and their cars. Seems he was trying to give the most bang for the buck with his Bertoni and other bikes he imported.

Flaminio Bertoni, died 1964, Nuccio Bertone, died 1997

I don\u2019t know where or when mine was made, but I\u2019m hoping it\u2019s on topic 1983 or earlier. A decal states, "Made in Italy" but who knows. Maybe someone can put a date on it.

All decals were intact.

Bertoni Bicycle, Number: 3130, All Shimano 105 ( Brakes are early 105 single pivot design )

Decals

BERTONI on both sides of the down tube.

COLUMBUS MATRIX on the frame and both sides of the fork.

MADE IN ITALY, COLUMBUS MATRIX, and BIKE TECH on the seat tube.

ITALAMERICA in small size letters on the right side of the top tube near the seat.

COLUMBUS is stamped on the rear drop out.

MAVIC MA 40 on rims

George Jones Dallas, TX