Recently picked up a Virata. Japanese catalogues have it in production from 1991 to 1996 [and in the 2000s], but none of the photos are in the deep purple colourway this one has. (Can’t post photos as new to Forum).

Front triangle is carbon tubes with Cro mo/Tange (?) lugs and rear triangle. [Clear over the carbon to show the weave.

Rear dropout stamped “Richley”.

I know its not custom, as I found another in the US listed as 1994 model, which has a different but close serial number.

Serial number appears to be H3M011391. BB is English (1.37 68) (not sure)

I think it was made in Japan or Taiwan.

The seller told me he bought the frame 2nd hand from a bike shop some 15 years ago and they built it up out of bits and pieces from a bike he had.

The 90s catalogues list it as with Ultegra. Bike has 9 speed with 600 headset bearings and FD, and 105 cranks and RD. “105” is in yellow. BB is Octolink, which I think came out in 1996 (?).

Keen to know as much as I can, especially the original specs and the Pantone number for the purple, as it needs a touch up.

Thanks