Claud Butler Super Torino - c 1967
Posted: Wednesday 12th August 2020
There are discrepancies in calling this a ‘Super’ in that it does not have re-enforced bridge or integral sloping crown. However, the advertised upgrade from Torino to Super Torino emphasises chrome, bar-end shifters option and brazed hanger as well as sloping crown and stronger bridge. My inclination is to believe that this is a very early Super. As many of you will know, this is a clone of the Holdsworth Super Mistral, also to be seen on this site. The bike was bought by my Father in the mid 70s and my brother managed to crack it on its first outing to a local ten. It hung in a shed for 3 decades before I rescued it. I was also born in 1967.
| Frame | Claud Butler Super Torino frame No: 14935; c.1967; The frame is a restored (by Mercian) 22½" seat tube. 531DB throughout with Campag ends, Prugnat type 1 spearpoint lugs and RGF bottom bracket shell. Wrap over-seat stays and curved bridge. Partially chromed stays and fork (fork re-chromed). Original braze-ons included cable guides for bar-end shifters, divers helmets and centre-pull hanger. As a result of a crack, the downtube has been replaced, adding a pip rather than guides (a period option). Original colour was purple and gold but this was changed to Italia colour scheme matching the image in the CB catalogue of 1967. |
| Wheels | Campag Nuovo-Tipo hubs 32 – 40 laced to Mavic G40 rims (temporary). I have various period hubs and rims including Weinman wood insert sprint rims, but I’m damned if I can commit to a combination that makes sense. |
| Chainset | TA 5pin with Criterium 52-44 rings. Stronglight BB and TDC lock-ring |
| Pedals | Atom quill with button dust caps. GB professional SS toe clips (original locking nuts) with Christophe (zefal) straps. |
| Gears | Campag Nuovo Record ‘patent only’ derailleur and large body cable stop front mech. Regina block. |
| Brakes | Mafac Dural Forge |
| Stem/Bars | 3 ttt Record and Ambrosio S41 (temp). I have a Cinelli badged stem that needs new chrome and would like to find a suitable set of bars. |
| Headset | This is a combination of Brampton TDC new parts that add up to be an excellent abomination. To make things worse, it has a lock-nut of unknown origin. Anyway, TDC Italia in the re-chrome box. |
| Saddle | Brooks B17 |
| Extra details | Silca Impero pump and Blumels All-Rounder mudguards. |
Posted: Wednesday 12th August 2020
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