> Date: Sat, 2 Aug 2008 20:11:19 +0100
> From: "Mark Stevens" <mark@lentran.com>
> To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
> Subject: [CR]Re: Bianchi Specialissima
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> Hi Dale et al, I have just been asked to do up a Bianchi Specialissima.
> There is a stamp on the seat lug 6 83 Would this be the frame
> number/month? If so it's within Cr timeline. Next question is where does
> this model sit in the pecking order? The chrome is good but the paintwork
> is
> messy. None of its original pantoe'd bits remain so it would be a
> nightmare
> to source parts for unless I build it with plain (yawn!)Super Record.. I
> see your bike Dale, dated 12 83. This one has a little B in a circle
> stamped into the top eye whereas yours has Bianchi. There is no
> 'superleggera' sticker on the top tube. Did this come later?
> 'Specialissima'
> sticker is on the chainstay with 3 stylised guys on bikes next to it. Main
> problem is a siezed Dura Ace seatpost stuck well down so that the rain got
> into the flutes... A caustic soda job methinks.
> Is it worth restoring? Mark Stevens Evanton Scotland
>
Not an expert, but a Bianchi fan. Sounds like an early 80's bike from your description of the decal with the 3 riders but I do not think you can go by the numbers stamped on the seat collar. Although they usually seem to be really close to a build date I've been told by way more knowledgeble folks than myself that they are meaningless.
Even though the Specialissima decal is present, the ""B" seat stay tops would make this a lower model than the top of the line Super Corsa or Super Leggera, which had the full "Bianchi" engraved in exposed chrome seat-stay tops. Most likely a '81-'83 Campione d' Italia. Which was directly under the two Reparto Corse models. That's just my guess, hopefully others will chime in as well.
Worth restoring? They are super nice riding frames, so worth doing something nice with it. A true restoration might not be a good investment, but if the paint can be lived with build it up with NR or SR and ride it.
Jon Williams
Grants Pass Oregon USA