Classic amigos,
Here in Tucson I recently saw a Masi Special w/ Nervex-pros, a rough repainted one that was very interesting to admire and study (and not just because it's my size!). I don't know the exact year and didn't look at the serial #.
Yes it's real. It has the original badge, the right Universal centerpulls, and some other stock parts. It has this crown:
http://www.classicrendezvous.com/
The repaint isn't terrible but there are bottle bosses added. The modification that baffled me is a strange 3 or 4" thin plate added to the L chainstay near the dropout. What the %^$?... I found out it's for a trailer!!? The bike has often been spotted with a baby seat as well.
The owner cherishes his bike and will NOT offer it for sale. He's obviously got tens of thousands of miles on it, replacing old parts for new ones as they wear out. I hear he bought it new from Cupertino Bike Shop. (Has anyone on the list owned a bike more than 40 years? Could be an interesting thread.)
I wonder how we'd each peg the level of mojo remaining in this machine...I'll try to get some photos (esp. really close-up) and post them somewhere.
Jack "hoping rare things come in 2s" Bissell Tucson, az