Re: [CR]Capri: a Torpado by a different name?

(Example: Framebuilding:Brazing Technique)

From: <FujiFish1@aol.com>
Date: Mon, 22 May 2006 20:55:22 EDT
Subject: Re: [CR]Capri: a Torpado by a different name?
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
cc: Vann.David@twindisc.com

Hi David,

Regarding Ebay item number 7238414787 ... the Capri frameset. Capri is a new name, as far as my Torpado records go. As you mentioned, Torpados were labeled as Italvegas, but also have been seen labeled as Bianchi, and Champion. I went through my vast but never large enough collection of Torpado and Italvega images, and not one of them from this time period still have the bump in the dropout face that remained in the cast from when they had a hole drilled for the Sport derailleur spring. This outdated feature disappeared in the 1960s sometime. The finish of the stay ends at the dropout seems similar to Italvega Super Speciale ends, but the auction pic only shows the lower and is not clear enough to be sure. The head lugs look similar too, but again, are not clear enough. When you receive the frameset, look for a sort of wave in the middle of the lug extensions. This is a specific feature to both Torpados and Italvegas of the time, that can mistakenly look like sloppy file work at first glance. Also, the serial number stamped underneath the bottom bracket shell, if there is one, will be the biggest aid in comparison. Try to get better pics and info when the frameset arrives, and we can look at it again then.

Ciao, Mark Agree Southfield MI USA ~ ~ ~

Date: Thu, 18 May 2006 14:04:23 -0500 From: "Vann, David" <Vann.David@twindisc.com> To: "'To:'" <Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org> Subject: [CR]Capri: a Torpado by a different name?

I just bought an old frameset: http://ebay.com/<blah> e=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT&rd=1 http://ebay.com/<blah me=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT&rd=1> I am familiar with Torresini, Topado, and and the Italvega line, and frame checks out extremely close to '71 ItalVega Super Speciale with exception of the fork crown which appears to be a styled similar to a Bocoma/MilRemo item.

Does anyone know if the Capri brand came from the Torpado factory?

David Vann - Tampa