I've got a '73 Pro with a 5 character SN that starts with A9 as well. Otherwise, it looks just like all the other Worksop frames I've seen. I wonder if Raleigh changed the serial numbering scheme for the Pros that one year, or if they just restarted the year code in '73 before switching to the longer format in '74. Perhaps they had the frames built in multiple locations that year and used serial numbers to indicate origin.
Since '72 was G, they weren't using hexidecimal!
--Steve Barner
> Date: Sun, 10 Oct 2004 20:26:59 -0700
> From: <velorosso@charter.net>
> To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
> Subject: [CR]re. 1973 Raleigh Professional frame for sale
>
> Interesting. I had a Raleigh Pro pass through my garage recently - also a
red repaint (reportedly by Eisentraut). Was 56cm center to center, and the
serial number A9201!
>
> John Siemsen, SLO, CA
>
> Eric Elman wrote:
>
> Circa 1973 Raleigh Professional frameset for sale.
>
> This is the fastback version, long point lugs and CC cutouts in the BB.
> Half chrome socks on fork and stays in excellent condition with two very,
> very minor blems. Fully sloping Cinelli style chromed forkcrown.
> Campagnolo ends with no eyelets. Frameset was repainted (good quality)
> before I bought it and is red with gold lug outlining and no decals.
> Overall excellent+ condition. $250 plus actual shipping costs via FedEx.
> Frame will be packaged very well at no extra charge. Pictures available a
> little later in the day.
>
> Size is 55c-c both seat and top tubes. Serial number is, get this: A9206
> (what the heck kinda number is that?) or possibly A9Z06???
>
> Eric Elman
> Somers, CT
>
>
> John S. SLO, CA