Hi,
I have heard good things about the Zaffiros, good to hear it again. Sort of accidentally, it just happened that way, I run Contis on all my 700c bikes and have just stuck to what works because I hate the uncertainty of buying tires. But I couldn't find reasonably priced Contis in 27, so I guess I will branch out

I don't know what size it will come with, that's the thing ... and by the time I do, it will be too late to order anything. I usually take my time with overhauls, but this was a spur of the moment purchase, mainly to avoid international air travel fees with my (other) Bianchi. Cough . . . ok, I realize I probably should have just rented a bike at my destination, but where's the fun and challenge in that?

Anyway, I have found a few more things about it:

This guy (Bill, it looks like) has a Sport SS with the same tube set from a year or so earlier. He mentions thinking about 27 x 1 1/4 Paselas, a choice motivated by the tire pressure limitation of straight walled rims. According to him, according to Sheldon Brown, one would probably need that width (or 1 1/8 at a minimum) in order to achieve adequate inflation at the max pressure for straight walled rims. So the frame would probably be "made" for that width . . .

The tires pictured on the "after" page aren't Paselas, however. But there also isn't any mention about that tire size not working ....

https://sites.google.com/site/bianchisportssrestoration

Now, his frame seems to have a kickstand plate, and I can discern a chain stay bridge on mine, rather than a plate.

Whatever, I am going to go for it and just order.

I will post results, if any...