[CR]Guerciotti-cum-Raleigh Special Products frame

(Example: History:Norris Lockley)

From: "Norris Lockley" <norris@norrislockley.wanadoo.co.uk>
To: <Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Date: Mon, 6 Jun 2005 22:20:29 +0100
Subject: [CR]Guerciotti-cum-Raleigh Special Products frame

It's not at as alarming as it sounds. The point is that a close friend of mine, faced with his younger son leaving home for university, has decided to clear out the bike shed. Bearing in mind that his son is now nearly 19 and the bikes he needs to clear out were bought for a 13 year-old, it's not really surprising.

The one that I think would possibly interest this group of collectors is a Team Raleigh 753 road frame, made by the Special Products workshop in Ilkeston. The Guerciotti bit kicks in because the former owner, a lady, preferred Italian stallions, but still liked the ride she got from her English mount. The solution was simple - just respray the frame and cover it with Guerciotti transfers

As a result the once red enamel frame with its black and yellow panels is now basically a pearl white with a rainbow of semi-fluorescent colours flushed over it. It's not at all unattractive ..but there again beauty is....

The frame has a few years on its back, but it hasn't been ridden for some long time.. and then only light use. The frame is tiny, measuring 19" centre to top, and 20" centre to centre on the top tube, meaning it must have something approaching a 74/75 seat angle. I can't recall any overlap at the front. It's ideal for an aspiring youngster and excellent for an experienced smaller rider.

The frame has good provenance, the first owner being a National Lady Vets Champion, and the second and present owner.. and seller.. being a guy called John Helliwell, better known perhaps as the front-man and saxophonist for the celebrated group Supertramp... come on, fellows.."Breakfast in America"... "Dreamer..."

John is not particularly avaricious, prefering to find a good home for the frame which is fitted with a Campag Super Record headset. In the end it will be me who John asks to put the price tag on it. Bearing in mind that a collector will probably want to have it back in it's proper livery.. then that aspect will be taken into consideration. If there is any interest I will try to get him to put some photos on the CR site, as he;s better at these things than me. Should anyone want it refinishing I could get it done over here at trade price.

Contact me off-List please with any interest and I will negotiate a fair deal for you.

I could be tempted myself as it's only 1 or 2 cms smaller than my preferred size, but I might have to kick out a "Froggie" to make room for it.

Norris Lockley..Settle UK