After more digging, I found a few bits of info that (I think) have gotten me closer to identifying the frame, but not definitively.

One source is a repository for Gitane catalogs.

In the 1982 British edition, I found two possible matches: the Olympic and the Trophee. Specs note "Competition Reynolds 531" for both, plus the internal cable routing and chromed driveside stays. But, my frame has both sides chromed, giving me doubt.






Looking at the 1985 edition, there's the Professionel model that seems to line up well with my frame: Reynolds 531c frame, 531 fork with Vitus crown, Vitus dropouts, 26.4mm post, aero cable routing, seat cluster, noted braze-ons, and, especially, the reinforced brake bridge. The mismatches from my frame that seed doubt are the drive- and non-drive-side chromed rear stays and lack if a race number mount that I think is in the photo (some zooming in and guessing needed).



Then there's the 1987 catalog. In that, the Inter model looks like the best match: 531c, braze-ons, internal cable routing. But, like the '85 Professionnel, it looks to have only drive-side chromed stays and a number mount.




So, at this point, the one definite conclusion I made is that it is a Gitane. That's it.

I'm guessing on everything else, like:

• That it's made from 531c, because of the spec'd post size (26.4) and the frame details that suggest a higher-end model, especially the reinforced brake bridge.
• That it's a re-paint. I haven't found any Gitane image of a front-to-back black-to-silver fade paint job. Plus, the down tube decal is lifting a bit and the English Reynolds decal, maybe a sign of an after-market job (?).
• That it's from 1982 or 1985-1989. Before this, it looked like Gitanes didn't have internal cable routing. During other adjacent years, models were made from Vitus or Columbus tubes. After this, I didn't find Gitanes with the top-of-tube internal cable routing. Another caveat: I couldn't find 1981 or 1989 catalogs.

The biggest mystery for me is the chromed stays on both sides. Many Gitanes had this, but prior to 1982 on models with external cable routing. So, if repainted, did they also have the non-driveside stays chromed?

I know, lots of questions with no certain answers. I'd certainly love to hear what C+V Nation has to say!