Originally Posted by
jonwvara
It was expedient and cheap. That was the point. For sure, the capped seat stays are beautiful. I had to buy a Lejeune frame last year because it had those caps (and because it was my size and a great frame in all other respects).
Whose face is that on the seat tube on those first two images? I don't think I've ever seen that on a Gitane.
That's Jacques Anquetil, who last rode for Gitane in 1965...thus these two frames with his face date to no later than 65. I have a CdM with the fitted cap painted in tri-color too BUT with foil decals instead and no Jacques. I figure my frame is 1966...maybe 67.