There are a number of things that I look for as the Legnano collection grows: original paint, original components, original owner, overall condition, scarcity and anything that makes it uniquely interesting.  This 1976 Legnano Gran Premio checked most of those boxes and in addition I was looking for a frame size that would fit my niece as we contemplate the annual L’Eroica in Tuscany.

Bike racing passed to me from my father however it missed my own kids.  Fortunately the ‘double butted’ gene passed to my sister’s daughter and now the legacy goes on for another generation.  Of course my niece was born in the era of STI shifters so down tube shift levers and leather toe straps make her smile.

This Legnano is also constructed of Reynolds 531 tubing, something that Emilio Bozzi SpA began in the late 1960’s (on special order) and continued on through to the end of Legnano production by the Bozzi family in the early 1980’s.  The unique Legnano seat lug binder bolt was a thing of the past by the mid-70s, never-the-less there are many collectors of vintage Italian iron that seek out the Legnano 531 frames as their favourites.

This is probably a good time to thank the previous owner, Federico des Dorides of Grottaferrata (Rome), Italy for not ‘parting out’ this very original Legnano and passing it along to me in May of 2014. Grazie Federico.

The Gran Premio was Legnano’s second best model behind the Roma Olimpiade, and through the 50’s and 60’s the Gran Premio was usually fitted with Campaganolo Gran Sport components or a mix of GS and Record to lower the price point for amateur racers.  The Gran Premio frame also missed a bit of the finishing touches of the Olimpiade model but otherwise the GP was a great road bike.

This particular Gran Premio is fitted with the second generation GS or Nuovo Gran Sport components, almost a full ‘gruppo’ short of the brakeset. However it is rare to find a Legnano, Olimpiade or Gran Premio of any year, that is not fitted with Universal brakes.  Even after Campagnolo released their Record sidepull brakeset in 1969 to complete their first ever ‘gruppo’, Legnano continued their alliance with Universal. Having said that, this Gran Premio is fitted with the very popular Universal 68 sidepull brakeset.

I am dating this Gran Premio to 1976 based on the 531 construction and frame detailing, fork crown casting and the 1976 date stamp on the inside arms of the original three spoke GS crankset. A word of caution here,  it is becoming increasingly difficult to find vintage bikes with their original parts so do not rely on components alone to date a vintage bike (particularly if it comes with a high price tag).

Here’s the spec in detail . . .

Model: Gran Premio
Year: 1976
Color: Metallic Tangerine
Serial No:  n/a
Frame Size: 52cm ctc
Tubing: Reynolds 531
Dropouts: Campagnolo GS
Headset: Campagnolo Gran Sport
Stem & Bars: 3TTT Mod. Gran Prix
Brake Calipers & Levers:  Universal 68
Bottom Bracket: Campagnolo Gran Sport
Crankset: Campagnolo Gran Sport
Chain: Regina
Pedals:  Campagnolo Gran Sport
Front Derailleur:  Campagnolo Gran Sport
Rear Derailleur: Campagnolo Gran Sport
Hubs:  Campagnolo Gran Sport HF
Rims:  Nisi 36 hole
Tires:  Tubular (new)
Seatpost: Campagnolo Gran Sport
Seat: 3TTT
Frame Only Weight:  tbd
Total Weight:  9.89kg – 21.8lbs

This Legnano was passed along to a new owner in 2020.

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