Originally Posted by
repechage
I think the "Cinelli" crown used on the approx. 1978 to 1983 bikes was a step away from what Faliero would have done, maybe approved, not used by the Vigorelli for sure. Save that, they kept pretty close to the original concept. Clearances got reduced a tad for short reach brakes, the dropouts selected were the latest type, they adopted recessed brake mounting but remained pretty faithful. The later Henry James lug set was I think a poor sidestep, no finesse. Functionally they are fine, just clunky. The later cast seat stay top eyes were a nod to keep the costs down and for a time were shared with Italy, fortunately the bikes throughout the American adventure were more than plug, braze and paint.
And yes, "so what", collect both and own both sides of the argument.
My 1980 has the Fischer crown (not sure what "Cinelli" means as opposed to Cinelli), fits nutted medium reach NR brakes, and my lugs look exactly like those on the '70s models, including early '70s. The time frame I was talking about is in my mind 74 through 82, though I really don't know much about anything later than 1980. You seem to be generalizing; maybe you could point to some photographed examples on the Masi timeline or links on Bob Hovey's site, to illustrate what you're talking about.
Configurations did vary even under Faliero. It's part of Hovey's dating information.
There were also models other than the Gran Criterium in the mid-80s, and contract builders. Are these what you're talking about?