Here's the pertinent Campagnolo Timeline entry:
"1979 -- Catalog #17a Supplement is printed for the year-end trade shows. Included are a revised Super Record derailleur with script logo and different cage geometry, single bolt Nuovo Super Record seat post, Record front derailleur with four holes (later to be three) in cage, straight-band clamp (later to revert to traditional pointed-band clamp), short Nuovo Record dropouts without eyelets (drilled and taped for chain holder), chain holder with accompanying control lever and trigger, and fixing shoe-plate for pedals. Tullio Campagnolo is appointed to the Cavaliere del Lavoro (Italy's highest honor to a businessman) by the President of the Italian republic."
Chuck Schmidt South Pasadena, Southern California http://www.velo-retro.com (Campagnolo Timeline, T-shirts and reprints)
John wrote:
>
> Hi Joe-
>
> Actually, the device that you are referring to is the Campagnolo "Porta Catena". It requires 2 small holes and was introduced in the mid to late 70's (?) and proved to be unpopular/worthless. As I heard it, Campagnolo sent most of the remaining dropouts that had 2 holes in the drive side d/o to America...
>
> Here's a webpage I created that shows it...
>
> http://www.velostuf.com/
>
> John Barron
> velostuf
>
> Joe Bender-Zanoni wrote:
>
> > Hi John,
> >
> > I can't post to the list here, but I think at some point in the early 60's the purpose of the dropout hole(s) was to mount a short lived and unpopular chain catcher (6 speed range w/ 5 cogs, shift to the catcher), rather than the long gone Sport derailleur. I'm sure not the authority, I just think this issue is sneaking around. Could you ask the list?
> >
> > Joe
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: John [SMTP:velostuf@qwest.net]
> > Sent: Sunday, March 10, 2002 1:59 PM
> > To: Classic Rendezvous
> > Subject: [CR]re: Dating Old Bianchis & pic link
> >
> > My Bianchi Specialissima came original to me with a black Brooks B-17
> > Competition Standard dates 1962 and with Campy large flange alloy hubs
> > with lockring dates of 1963. The seatpost is 27.2mm. It has the Campy
> > dropouts with the "Sport hole" on the drive side dropout. The serial
> > number is 160682.
> >
> > The frame has been re-done by Baylis and is pictured here:
> >
> > http://www.velostuf.com/
> > http://www.velostuf.com/
> >
> > John Barron
> > Minneapolis
> >
> > >From: Mark Bulgier <mark@bulgier.net>
> > >To: "'NortonMarg@aol.com'" <NortonMarg@aol.com>,
> > > classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
> > >Subject: RE: [CR]Dating old Bianchis
> > >Date: Wed, 27 Feb 2002 00:36:31 -0800
> >
> > >Duane Kennard said about his Specialissima, "I'm guessing it was made
> > around
> > >'64-'65. Serial # is: 164124"
> >
> > >One I saw on eBay said "I was told this bike was built between 1961 and
> > 1963
> > >based on the graphics, but I can't say for sure. [snip] Serial
> > #1614929"
> >
> > >I figger mine also is probably from the same range of years, seller
> > said it
> > >was a '63 and he was the original owner, but I think it may be a bit
> > older
> > >than that. Serial # is 160320. Mine has the hole in the dropout for
> > the
> > >"Sport" derailleur.