I did some work for a client and they were so happy, that they offered to sell me a C&V Benotto that they had collecting dust. I asked if it was an Italian or Mexican made Benotto. Unfortunately, the owner replied Mexican. But I thought it would still be worth seeing. Hoping some nice Campy stuff adorned it.

Upon seeing it, there was some paint scratches, rust and dried decals, but overall, not too bad. It wasn't my size at 58cm, but for $50, it was worth my while.

I did a search for it and didn't come up with much on this model, other than determining it's an 88. There was a decade old thread where T-Mar stated this model was made from hi-tensile steel. Although picking it up, it weighs no more than a Cr-moly frameset. He also claimed if it has a "Thun" crankset, run away and not buy it, as it required a special tool to extract.
This isn't true, as I was able to pull the crankarms off with a standard Park extractor, and the BB came off with standard cup tools too.
Hmmm.

It has Shimano 105 brakes, Light Action aluminum rear derailleur, a Shimano twist tooth 6 spd corncob, and SIS DT shift levers. It has Miche Touring hubs which still spin smooth, a testament to the white grease found in Italian hubs. Our water-based degreaser just won't break it down. The front wheel appears to be original with a 'Benotto' HR22 rim.
But the rear has stainless steel 14G spokes and a Mavic 2 rim....maybe rebuilt at some point.
The only odd thing I noticed is that the rear Miche hub has a big gaping space between the freewheel and hub flange (see pic).
The BB cups are Italian-threaded, and Japanese-made.

Does anyone know anything about this model? Is it true it's made from Hi-ten steel? The 3 main frame tubes' mid section are oval. And the seat tube is 26.4mm at the post.
The top tube is 56cm, and I may be able to ride it. But for now, not certain of its future.
Has anyone ever owned one?