I have owned two Bianchis: 1962 low-end Corsa, 2F51703 and 1981 mid-high Campione d'Italia, 1M9914. I thought the first digit was the year of production, and the letter was either the month (skipping I, "M" = December) or the fortnight (A-Z, skipping I and O).

My specialisima is coded 160753. I know that on bianchi's the higher end models were made in the bianchi factory with the lower end ones being farmed out to smaller builders. hence there being different date\serial codes.


here is a registry of serial numbers for more info. the 1960's higher models are dated like I was talking about. https://classicrendezvous.com/Italy/B...a_registry.htm

It seems like so many of the bikes that get posted here are either sadly neglected barn finds in need of resurrection, or meticulously built-up specimens that have been scrubbed down for the photo shoot. I love seeing bikes like this one that look a little tired and dirty from having the snot ridden out of them. So thanks for posting.

I have nothing against PC on lower end models or Japanese boom era bikes, but I agree this one is of a caliber that deserves a well-applied coat of paint.

Mafam, I hope you come back, because at the risk of derailing the thread, I'd like to hear about that DIY stand. Looks pretty cool but I can't make out how the clamp works.

It should be noted that the "160" prefix for 1960's Specialissima's was most likely used between 1960-64, not just indicating a 1960 model. And "164" prefix models were probably used for at least a few years between 1964 and ?

Most of the 1960's Specialissima's you see will have a 160 or 164 prefix. And this is reflected in the CR registry referenced.

Certainly possible. I just brought a frame to a local plater last week for a quote on chrome, but was put off by the extra holes he wanted to drill for drainage.

Paint and decals done!!!

Bianchi purists will hate me, but it's my bike and I'll do what I want.

Paint is Masi Champagne of 2K white primer, which is the same as the 1972 Masi I'm finishing up in parallel.

Build will be initially the original 1973 NR Gruppo, with a chrome fork. The fork might turn black depending on my mood.

Future build (when the group materializes) will be a 10 speed Chorus Alloy with carbon fork.

I love it.

Chorus 10 speed, Ambrosio aero rims, carbon fork, Ritschi headset & stem, Fausto Coppi saddle, mixed with old-school Campagnolo.

That is super cool.

Love it.

all the benefits of a cool steel frame with the perfection of 2nd ergo. The old school fd is a nice touch: can you tell it's different when riding along, or is the Campagnolo front shifting so forgiving you won't notice any difference in FDs? That well worn saddle is a great finishing touch. Many happy miles on it!

Semplicemente meraviglioso!

Notice no difference. Rides real nice. It's hilly here in Luzern with lots of cool old things.