Updated 3/19/2003
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An old (1908) and excellent marque that sadly has not had much of a following or collectibility despite their virtues. Torpado's hey days were in the pre-W.W.II and just post war period.. The era of Coppi & Bartali. They were sponsors of major international teams and riders and enjoyed the reputation that accompanied that level of involvement. The Torpado line was imported into the USA in the 1970's & 80's by the Agrati-Garelli Corp. in South Carolina (along with Batavus,) and therefore there are reasonably many of these bikes in the southeastern USA. The Italian factory closed down not long after being bought by foreign owners in the late 80's. The top of the line models had beautifully crafted frames with routed out dropout faces, internal rear gear cable, shaped and engraved lugs & bottom bracket shell. The signature, team color was what Torpado called "Celeste" ....not the pea soup green of Bianchi, but a light turquoise-inclined pearlescent blue, more true to the meaning of celeste, i.e., "Sky Blue." The lower priced models still had much detail work and, again, were nicer than many famous make "pro" bikes of that period. Unfortunately it is difficult to answer a question as to value, as the Torpado bikes have little appeal to many cycling aficionados.. Really old Torpado bikes that would have a historical tie (Coppi era, etc.) might be an exception and find a market.... In the end, as with all older bikes, they are worth exactly what someone is willing to pay for them! |
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Marc Schechterman's mod. Nuovo Sprint bike
