Originally Posted by
rgechols
Really interesting! I've got a frame I bought recently, repainted by Keith Anderson, that I'd narrowed down to an Elite GT, but like you, I had a serial number that suggested a 1983 model. The frame seems lighter than other partial HT steel frames I've used, so possibly we scored full Tange 4 versions? Will post pics when it's back from being built up.
Since acquiring my April of '84 Elite GT I've become very interested in this, and I would definitely agree that the '83 serials are indeed 1984 models that were being made in anticipation of the new model release in '84.
I'm thinking maybe the paint and decal designs for '84 year hadn't quite been finalized yet, but the first Elite GT frames were already built and awaiting paint and decals, so they were just done up in an '83 type fashion until the finalized '84 designs were ready.
In searching Elite GT info I came across this October '83 serial with the typical '84 paint and decals on eBay. IT'S NOT MINE, but I saved a few pics since the seller has the serial pictured. That tells us that the switch probably occurred in September of '83 since the serial on the early Elite GT posted previously indicated a late August build date, and this later styled one indicates an early October build. I'd say that nails it down to September give or take a week... Now I'm curious exactly when they started production on them period. I wouldn't think it would be more than a month or 2 before changing the paint and decals, so I'd imagine they're quite a rarity!
