Deal4Fuji

I saw this Torpado Italia for just $25 yesterday and quickly contacted the seller and picked it up. I searched many Torpado threads and found out the Italia is mid level, but that seems to be my niche. What I don't know is the year and I'm hoping T-Mar or randyjawa might have some insight. The serial number looks to be 01036 55163. I saw one code post that suggested it might be frame number 163 in May of '85...or frame number 36 in Oct of '80.

I also found this catalog page showing specs for the Italia model but this one differs in several components. The Aelle Tretubi frame matches but mine has Campy Nuevo Record derailleurs and does not have the chromed fork. Help on the age please, thanks !



Italia model catalog info from older BF post


serial #

Deal4Fuji

more pics as bought

Deal4Fuji

a few more

Bianchigirll 

That will be stunning when cleaned up.

is there a Paten date on the RD? If so it is very likely a year or two from that. Checking Velobase will help too by narrowing down years the Corsa brakes and that crank were produced. I’m guessing’84/5ish.

juvela

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when one reads the specifications printed on the catalogue page posted above it is clear that the OEM gear ensemble was one from Sachs/Huret. in fact the shift levers from that ensemble are yet present. so the patent date on the NR rear gear mech is moot.

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IIRC T-Mar has writ that Torresini was acquired by Agrati ~1982-83

they kept the marque alive for a few years and then let it close

cycle appears to date from near to that time so it will be interesting to learn upon which side of the line it falls...


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T-Mar

I'd place this circa 1986-1987, possibly 1988. Pink bicycles didn't start to become popular until after the Miami Vice TV series started setting a fashion trend for pastel coloured bicycle frames. That was the 1986 model year. The Columbus decal is the pre-1988 version, though they may have had some leftover stock into 1988.

I don't know how to interpret the serial number but it's tempting to say that the five character code could be a dd/mm/y format. However, based on a sample of one, take it with a grain of salt.

The subject catalogue page is from no earlier than the 1985 model year, as the other pages show models with C-Record and Victory components. Given that the page mentions Huret Eco derailleurs and that the subject levers on the bicycle are what was matched with Eco during this era, it would appear that the Campagnolo derailleurs are replacements.

Deal4Fuji

Thanks so much for the info guys & gal !!

So would that be an upgrade? CNR more well thought of than Huret Eco ?

T-Mar

The Nuovo Record has far more street credibility. is lighter (by ~40g) and cost about 3x that of the ECO It's obviously better, right? But anybody who has ridden both derailleurs will tell you that the Eco has superior shifting performance. The answer depends on where your priorities lay.

Deal4Fuji

sounds similar to Sun Tour

T-Mar

The difference between the two isn't as big as that with a SunTour derailleur but it's there.

xiaoman1 

I think that you have a great deal there!
Best, Ben