jamesdak 

So this showed up in the local ads improperly listed. I've been communicating with the owner and they are wondering what an honest value is for the bike now that they see it's misidentified. I don't know Torpado's but I think this is a Professional. It does look like a nice bike from what I can see. Anyway told 'em I'd ask the experts so he can relist it properly and honestly. So, what's an honest price he can list this at as he redo's the ad?

Mods, if not allowed since it's referencing someone's for sale ad them delete.

randyjawa 

I have a sixties something Torpado Professional. I know for sure that it is a Pro because the seat tube decal identifies it as a Professional...




When I look at the cottered crank and entry level Campagnolo transmission, I cannot help but wonder if the OP's bike is actually a professional. Mine came with a Campagnolo Record transmission, a Campagnolo crank set, Campagnolo bottom bracket and Torpado embossed head set. For test riding purposes I used a later model transmission and, sadly, a different fork. The original fork did not come with the bike.

As for the value of the OP's bike, I would not hesitate to pay $300.00 to buy it. If I were to sell it, I would want at least double that amount even though it might not be a professional.

I have turned down $600 for this entry level Torpado that I street restored last winter...

3alarmer 

.
...as randyjawa suggests above, a Torpado Pro would be expected to have come built up with a nicer crank and rear derailleur. I guess it's possible those are replacements, but probably not.

randyjawa 

I did a bit of looking around on the internet and this Torpado Professional showed up. It is a later model than mine, as is clearly defined by the head tube lugs and lack of a head badge...

My lugs...


With that in mind, even though I still question the components fitted to the OP's bike, his or hers just might be a Professional. I should also add that I am a bit unsure of the brake calipers fitted to the Professional. Even then, I would have expected Universal model 61...


or even Super 68 stoppers like the ones fitted to my 1968 Legnano...


All that said, in my opinion, the OP's Torpado is a very desirable vintage road bike and I would jump at the chance to find one like it.

T-Mar

The photos are low resolution but it looks like it may have a factory kickstand bracket welded to the underside of the chainstays, in place of the tubular bridge used on high grade frames.