Following Fausto Coppi’s win in the 1952 Tour de France (TDF) Bianchi introduced the TDF model.
The frame below was purchased in Italy and is a mix of parts likely to be original to the bicycle and parts consistent with the TDF model. The frame number is 493045 which according to the Bianchi registry makes it a 1953 build. Of interest are the date stamps on various components. A rear hub nut is stamped ’51’, the top head set cup ’52’ and a bottom bracket bearing shell ’53’. Perhaps parts drawn from the parts bin.
The frame had been over-painted off-white and has been polished back to the original Bianchi celeste green. This resulted in significant parts of the frame back to the metal.
marcfellman 