Vintage 1942-3 Benotto Campagnolo Cambio Corsa Race Bike *Original Barn Find*
Eroica Ready to Ride*….A Rare survivor Bicycle…84 Years old!
Discovered in a long-forgotten vintage bicycle shop nestled between the historic Romagna towns of Faenza and Forlì, this remarkable 1942-43 Benotto is a rare survivor from one of cycling's most turbulent eras. Hidden away for decades, the bicycle remained remarkably original, preserving the character and craftsmanship of wartime Italian racing.
Built around the revolutionary Campagnolo Cambio Corsa gear system, introduced by Tullio Campagnolo in the late 1930s, the bicycle represents the pinnacle of pre-derailleur racing technology. Riders manually released the rear wheel, shifted the chain across the sprockets, and re-tightened the wheel while still in motion, a demanding but ingenious solution before modern derailleurs became available.
Its provenance is especially compelling because of its connection to Vito Ortelli, one of Italy's greatest post-war champions. Born in Faenza, Ortelli turned professional with Bianchi in 1942 before later joining Benotto after the Second World War. His rise from the roads of Romagna to victories in the Giro di Toscana, Milano-Torino and the Giro d'Italia established him as one of Italian cycling's finest talents.
Whether originally ridden in local competition or simply preserved by chance, this exceptional Benotto embodies the golden age of Italian racing. It is more than a bicycle; it is a tangible piece of cycling history, linking the innovation of Campagnolo, the traditions of Romagna, and the legacy of Vito Ortelli in one extraordinary original barn-find machine.
Frame: Vintage 1942-3 Benotto Cambio Corsa Race Frameset preserved and original Paintwork. Has elements of Bianchi style Celeste blue and red lug lining. The faded decals indicate some Olympic connection (best guess). Frame number: 2460
Size: 56cm
Seat Tube: 56cm Centre to Centre
Top Tube: 56cm Centre to Centre
Drivetrain: Campagnolo Cambio Corsa
Brakes: Universal 361666 /Universal Calipers and Period Levers
Wheels: Campagnolo open C Steel aluminium hubs with period Skewers
Bars & Stem: Cinelli Steel Badged “Milano” Stem & Cinelli Mod.17 Handlebars
Crankset: Magistroni Crankset and period pedals
Saddle: F.N.I Period Pre-war Saddle
Condition: Preserved in original condition, bearings greased, cables, bar tape and tubulars replaced with modern period type. This is ready to ride *(tubulars need glueing on) everything has been serviced and checked.