I've often wondered what was special about the "Tullio" tubing that Atala advertises for the Grand Prix model. There must have been some difference between "Best Quality Seamless Steel Tubing" of the two lower models and the "High Tensile "Tullio" Seamless Tubing" of the Gran Prix for them to make note of it in the specifications.

On occasion I've tried, mostly unsuccessfully, to drum up discussion on the idea that "good" bikes in the 60's - mid-70's did not use DB 531 or Columbus tubing. At the time that was the best available frame material and only used on top of the line bikes much as all that high modulus carbon monocoque wiz-band stuff is found today on the top of the line $5000 and up bikes. I no more imagine a typical cycling enthusiast in 1970 was riding around on a 531 or Columbus full Nuovo Record pro bike than one today is riding around on a full carbon 11-speed Super Record or electronic Dura-Ace pro bike.

As I remember it, a "good" bike at that time had a hi-tensile steel frame of lugged construction and the tubing, while not a hi-tech alloyed steel, was relatively thin and light when compared to the actual entry level "gas pipe" bikes of the time period and this was made possible because they were lugged and brazed rather than welded. I would go so far as to say that the lower end Atala models of the time like the Corsa and Giro d'Italia were probably equivalent in market position to $600 to $1000 bikes today and the Grand Prix to maybe a $2000 bike today. Most people would not say there is anything wrong with riding a modern bike in the $600 - $2000 price range so I don't understand why those old bikes get so little respect. They weren't intended to be professional racing bikes and they served their intended function admirably and still would today if well maintained.