Originally Posted by
T-Mar
While the "1" designates 1981, the "L" is not December. We see lots of Bianchi that turn up with an "M" and enough with an "N" to suggest that they're legitimate and not some factory error. Unlike several other manufacturers, Bianch doesn't skip the letter "I" either. While the exact meaning on the"L" is unknown, it does appear to be from late enough in the calendar year to represent the upcoming model year.
I guess we're still sorting out the Bianchi serial numbering scheme, which may well have inconsistencies, as with so many other manufacturers. I have seen fortnightly schemes, which consume all 26 letters. I wonder if Bianchi used some sort of 4-week (double fortnightly) scheme, with 13 four-week "months" per year. That would get you to my "M," but not to "N." Like yours, mine fits the 1982 description and catalog better than the 1981, except for the "charcoal" color.
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"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069