Originally Posted by
Salamandrine
I'd guess 1965 ish, possibly a bit earlier but I can't say definitively. It was well before my time. Looks like a 151 crank and the derailleur is record not nuovo record, which means the bike dates to 62-66.
If the bike got raced, which is likely, it's easy to imagine that model 61 brakes would have been upgraded with model 68 when they came out.
That's the prettiest Bianchi I've seen in a while. Thanks for posting.
I am not an expert, but have some exposure to
Reparto Corse Bianchis of similar vintage. My educated guesstimate is similar to this, but more likely mid-1960s than early 1960s. Salamandrine is spot-on with his observations about the 151mm bcd crank and the Record vs. Nuovo Record RD. The integrated headset is also consistent, as is the chrome on the head lugs and the on the fork crown. So is the attachement of the seat stays to the seat lug.
But the graphics do not look like what I have seen on early 1960s Bianchis. I have a 1961 Competizione, and have seen, either in photos or in the flesh, some other Competiziones, Specialissimas, and other Reparto Corse goodies from the 1961 to 1964 or so range, and they all share the the following traits:
-- Chrome bands on the seat tube, but not on the down tube (I've never seen that chrome on the down tube of any Bianchi from the 1960s that I can recall, but that only means I have never seen it, not that it didn't exist)
-- A smaller "Bianchi" decal on the down tube
-- the model name (
e.g., "Competizione," Specialissima"), in script, after the "Bianchi."
-- Different head badge from the OP's
Also, celeste Bianchis were uncommon in the early 1960s except on team-issue bikes. Not unheard of, but not common.
I also agree that the Universal 68s were likely after-market replacements.
But most important - bee-yoo-tee-fool bike. Great find. Enjoy the hell out of it.