Classic & Vintage - how old is this Bianchi?

I bike to work each day, but don't know too much about classic bikes. I just found this bike (photos attached) in the trash on my block in Brooklyn. My wife yelled at me for taking into our apartment, but I think even with the rust, it is worth fixing up.

The serial number stamped on the front is 1G22942. Does anyone know how old the frame is or any other information about it? I asked a friend if he knew anything about old Bianchis and he recommended that I ask at this forum.

As a shot in the dark, the aesthetic is that of the 1960s at latest, albeit with what looks to be a more modern seatpost.

I concur - might be earlier too - I would expect Campagnolo 1010B dropouts by the '60s.

That headset is particularly gorgeous too. If it was my size, I'd be nagging you to sell it to me right now ;)

-Kurt

Early 70's entry level gaspipe model. Good fixed gear candidate.

Early 70's entry level gaspipe model. Good fixed gear candidate.

They kept the older Bianchi decals into the '70s for the low-end stuff?

-Kurt

They kept the older Bianchi decals into the '70s for the low-end stuff?

-Kurt

I don't know if I'd consider that an older decal style. Those large letter decals are on the lower and midline later 60's and early 70's bikes. The script on the older models was smaller, at least on the high end models I've seen.

John Barron has a great example of the OP's bike on his website:

http://www.velostuf.com/velostufgallerybikes+frames7.htm

I've come across this model numerous times, and the parts usually date them to the very early 70's. I think at the time Bianchi had very poor distribution in America, but you see a lot of this base model road bike here. I've bought and sold at least a half dozen of that exact bike in the past five years or so.

Looks like a candidate for oxalic acid. Your wife will like that :^)))