Dave,
On your list, there are certainly loads more shop frames beginning with digits 69 (total of 12 to date) compared to frames attributed to other years (1or2/ yr.). Makes one wonder re explanation. One frame that points to early 70's "shop" frames being continued on with a "69" number into early 70's is frame #69559 belonging to "sced" of Bike Forums.
Evidence, albeit anecdotal, for this argument as "sced" states: "I have a 1973 Super Mistral #69559 that was custom made for me as a Christmas gift from my parents when I was 16." He also describes the process of ordering details of frame and kit. See posts 14 &15:
http://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vinta ... model.html
Also here's a pic from another thread started by "sced". It certainly has the appearance of a custom shop frame with a mix of an integrated seat post bolt, Prugnat S lugs and absence of fender eyelets usually associated with the Pro and shot in seat stays different than what was usually associated with Super Mistral.
http://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vinta ... -here.html
Doug
On your list, there are certainly loads more shop frames beginning with digits 69 (total of 12 to date) compared to frames attributed to other years (1or2/ yr.). Makes one wonder re explanation. One frame that points to early 70's "shop" frames being continued on with a "69" number into early 70's is frame #69559 belonging to "sced" of Bike Forums.
Evidence, albeit anecdotal, for this argument as "sced" states: "I have a 1973 Super Mistral #69559 that was custom made for me as a Christmas gift from my parents when I was 16." He also describes the process of ordering details of frame and kit. See posts 14 &15:
http://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vinta ... model.html
Also here's a pic from another thread started by "sced". It certainly has the appearance of a custom shop frame with a mix of an integrated seat post bolt, Prugnat S lugs and absence of fender eyelets usually associated with the Pro and shot in seat stays different than what was usually associated with Super Mistral.
http://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vinta ... -here.html
Doug