Early Conti 1 group

#1: Post by **Paul_Pratt** » October 14th, 2017, 6:32 am

I did a trade with a friend and ended up with this lovely 1 group Conti. I think our friend Pascal passed on this machine before.

I do not know the model name, I only know that it is an early model as it pre-dates the Conti move to Monaco in 1956. The serial number indicates that it may be a 1953 model.

It is such a gorgeous design and I was attracted to it immediately. It is also in a very sorry state and so I could not resist to try and bring her back from the abyss. The main body panels are full of very big dents that will require serious work.

First look with the main body panels removed....it will be hard work.

#2: Post by **Paolo** » October 14th, 2017, 6:40 am

What a beautiful design!
I am looking forward to seeing you bring it back to its former glory, Paul!

The more of Conti that I see the more I admire them.

#3: Post by **boost** » October 14th, 2017, 7:36 am

Great find Paul, I see that the new Conti Sixty had same design style for the group head.
Seems the same machine also exist with newer style group head like my Princess.
Conti Empress restoration

#4: Post by **Uldall** » October 14th, 2017, 7:57 am

Congrats Paul its a beauty....

/Uldall

#5: Post by **Balthazar_B** » October 14th, 2017, 8:02 am

"Passed on this machine" meaning declined to accept it? That would be like turning down a date with Carla Bruni!

#6: Post by **leozava** » October 14th, 2017, 8:09 am

That group looks very similar to the one on my eterna

#7: Post by **TomC** » October 14th, 2017, 8:22 am

I couldn't imagine passing up on something like that! It'll be fun to see how it progresses.

#8: Post by **arcus** » October 14th, 2017, 1:00 pm

Congrats! Great looking machine.

#9: Post by **drgary** » October 14th, 2017, 1:30 pm

Great find, Paul! That old Conti has been adopted into a very good home. Looking forward to the restoration.

#10: Post by **cuppajoe** » October 14th, 2017, 4:42 pm

Very nice, what did you have to give up in return? Excellent example of early '50s design and looks to be complete and original. Is that a shovel handle lever?