> I have heard that the Prestige is the decendent of the Gran Criterium, and is
desireable in the U.S. because they were never legally imported. The 3V is
known for its oversize tubing, internal lugs, and its stiff ride.
3V's are definitely stiff, whether this is a blessing or curse depends on your riding style and size (and weight). Larger riders would probably be happier with a 3V while hobbit-like creatures like myself would be happier on a Prestige.
> Which model is considered most
desireable?
>From a purely visual standpoint, if you ask a vintage bike
collector for an opinion, most will probably express a
marked preference for the traditional externally-lugged
frame of the Prestige. Speaking for myself, I definitely
prefer the Prestige, tho the clean simplicity of the 3V
is not lost on me.
Overall "desirability' depends on a lot of things... if you happen to prefer the ride of the 3V and are not so concerned with collector's appeal or the aesthetics of traditional construction then you probably wouldn't have a preference for the Prestige.
>> Does one model outperfom the other?
Again, this depends on riding style and body type. I think most heavy riders and riders over six feet tall would probably be happier on a 3V, especially if they have an aggressive style. Smaller riders and folks with a gentler style who get on a bike expecting comfort without sacrificing responsiveness would probably be happier with the Prestige.
>> Lastly, which is the most
valuable?
>From my own tracking of eBay sales, the Prestige usually
goes a bit higher than the 3V. Part of this may be due to
rarity (in the US) but part may also be due to age... Prestiges
tend to run older, having been introduced about nine years
before the 3V.
Note that there are three main flavors of 3V... there is the original Italian 3V which began production in the 80's. Tubing varies but the earlier Excel probably is preferred. Around 1986 they began to be imported by Masi USA... they had the Italian style decals and fork crown but most were differentiated by the US flag on the lower portion of the seat tube.
http://bhovey.com/
In 1988, US production of the 3V began. These are recognized by US style decals and Henry James fork crown, and Campy dropouts. Early ones were made in the US, mid-90's frames were subcontracted (to Mondonico, I believe).
In 1991, the "Team 3V" was introduced to the US market. In spite of the misleading "team" designation, it was a cheaper frame than the 3V. Costs early on were lowered by the sale of sponsor decals from folks like Gartorade and Velonews which appeared on the 91 and 92 models. Some of the Team 3V's had an aluminum fork that some find unattractive, but otherwise they are probably nice bargains.
Bob Hovey
Columbus GA USA
http:bhovey.com/masi