Bianchi Tour de France 1952

Description

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Bianchi is the oldest Italian company for the production of bicycles. Born in Milan in 1885, and is founded by Edoardo Bianchi, then only twenty years old. Since the early years, Bianchi has dedicated itself to cycling, establishing a racing department and obtaining the first successes already in 1899, winning the Grand Prix in Paris with Tomaselli.

In 1913 it was used for the first time the color that will remain the hallmark of the Bianchi, the “celeste Bianchi”. Between the two wars the Bianchi Company grows considerably and will give even more impulse to the racing sector. In 1946 he died in a traffic accident Edoardo Binchi and his place will be taken by his son Giuseppe.
After the war, Bianchi inextricably linked his name to Fausto Coppi and his numerous victories. In the mid-50s the company went into difficulty, until it was put into liquidation in 1964, however the cycling sector is saved. Angelo Trapletti, an industrialist from Bergamo, became part of the management, and he later bought Bianchi in 1972. In 1984 Bianchi became part of Piaggio and subsequently, in 1992, after various vicissitudes was acquired by a Swedish brand .

The Tour de France was produced by Bianchi to celebrate Fausto Coppi’s victory in the 1952 Gran Boucle. Rare model because it was produced for a limited time (it only appears in the 1953 catalogue).

The bike presented is set up with the rare and precious Campagnolo Gran Sport gearbox from 1952. 40/32 hole wheels. Bianchi hubs, crankset and stem. Ambrosio Champion handlebar. Sella Aquila. Patent Universal brakes 453949. Universal ’51 brake levers. .

Of note is a small dent on the horizontal tube.