Just as another data point, I built up a garage-sale-find Bertoni for my brother a few years ago, a mid-level bike with steep geometry and entirely Italian componentry as would be found on entry-level Colnagos of the early '80's, Ofmega hubs, Campy rims, 3TTT post, Modolo brakes, etc. He paid 10 or 20 dollars. Sadly, a Prestige-framed Bianchi he also scrounged was stolen from his garage a few weeks ago, but it distracted the thief away from the thousands of dollars in Automotive tooling that was right there as well. Thief even left his big duffel bag behind! Must have been dying to ride!
David Snyder Auburn, CA usa
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