Cannondale M400

[EightBallFlyer]

Hi,
I'm new to Retrobike from today.
Came here to find out more about a Cannondale M400 that's recently come my way. It's was shipped over from the U.S. with the personal effects of an old friend here, quite some time ago, but he can't ride nowadays and it never saw much use.
This, i assume, is still in American spec, with the front brake lever on the left.
My question is on the frame number, which appears to be etched rather than stamped on, but I can't match it to anything on the vintage cannondale Website.
Can anyone here help to confirm the age.
I'm guessing it's 1983, but I could be way off.
It's an 18" frame.
This will be up for sale soon, as I don't have any use for it.
T.i.a.

 

[Joe_Rides]

An overall photo of the bike would be useful, components can make it easier to date, as well as dropout design on these. etc.

I have a '94 M400 which I bought in 2016. It has probably lived in the UK forever, but still had the brakes the 'wrong' way around when it came to me!

 

[EightBallFlyer]

I see. Very unusual I thought, but its only a cable swap to make it UK spec. It's very much original, hardly used. Tyres will need replacing. But it's been stored well, so not a rusty wreck.
It has combo brake lever/shifters, and the left side front mech changer was seized, and its special bolt has now broken. That's a shame, as they'd need replacing as a pair I guess, or it's going to look odd. I've got close ups now, but I'm not sure if these old parts are still available. Great looking bike, but not for me. Some wild prices on eBay, so not sure how to price when I do put it up.
Regards

 

[Vesatoro]

Part of the serial is probably under the plastic cable router. Alivio/STX means something like 1994->. Certainly not from 80’s. Shimano date code helps too https://vintagecannondale.com/info/shimano/

The cranks are 6/1993.

 

[EightBallFlyer]

Thanks. I'll check some more.

 

[Vesatoro]

1994 catalogue, M400

 

[EightBallFlyer]

1994 catalogue, M400

View attachment 906425

Mine is a dark green colour. So many component changes. Typical of the cycle industry.

 

[Joe_Rides]

Yeah I think '94. It's almost exactly how mine was in terms of spec. Nice bike.