Re: [CR]eBay Outing 1955 Elswick Lincoln Imp

(Example: Framebuilders:Richard Moon)

From: "NIGEL LAND" <ndland@btinternet.com>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
References: <MONKEYFOODEoHSZdppH00007342@monkeyfood.nt.phred.org>
Subject: Re: [CR]eBay Outing 1955 Elswick Lincoln Imp
Date: Tue, 25 Apr 2006 20:28:42 +0100


Sorry folks, I guess I was a year out, but according to my catalogues the first year Elswick-Hopper marketed a Lincoln Imp was 1956. There is no such model in the 1955 catalogue. I don't have 1953 or 1954, but is it possible that the date for the advert on the CR website is incorrect? Or does someone have the relevant copy of Cycling? The Lincoln Imp superceded the Vampire as the top racing model and was, of course, used by the successful Elswick-Hopper team in 1958/9. However, I believe the actual race bikes were made by Jim Wilson of Sheffield - he was the 1958 Team Manager. Benny Foster took over in 1959. As for the 531 sticker, someone has stuck a later one on by the look of it. No big deal, surely? According to the 1958 specifications the frame was built of 531, but whether that included forks and stays I can't say. As for whether that affects the desirabilty, that is surely in the eye of the beholder! Elswick-Hopper was a large company that made good solid bikes, but they were not lightweight specialists by any means.

Nigel Land, V-CC E-H Marque Enthusiast Barton-on Humber, Home of the Hopper

Date: Tue, 25 Apr 2006 14:40:53 EDT From: Hughethornton@aol.com To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Subject: Re: [CR]eBay Outing 1955 Elswick Lincoln Imp Message-ID: <28e.913f9f6.317fc735@aol.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Precedence: list Message: 11

The CR website has an ad for a Lincoln Imp from 1953, so it was certainly introduced before 1957. The frame on ebay would appear to be misrepresented with its more modern decal for 531 butted tubing, forks and stays, especially if Sheldon Brown's recollection of his being 3 tube 531 is correct -- this makes a big difference to desirability in my view.

Hugh Thornton Cheshire, England

In a message dated 25/04/2006 00:33:21 GMT Standard Time, ndland@btinternet.com writes:

What a great resource CR members are! First an email from Phil Easton about the Lincoln Imp and then Peter Kohl's post. I have asked the seller for a frame number as it is later than he states. The Lincoln Imp was, I believe, introduced in 1957. I will be bidding on this one, depending on reserve as, though I have a couple of Imp frames, the paint condition is poor, and this one looks pristine. Oh, the joys of a dry climate! But there again, rain makes green and I remember the joy of a May evening during my 2 and a bit years in Denver, standing outside, enjoying the smell of the first rain for months and the feel of it on my skin! The story of the Imp is that he was a naughty demon who disrupted the services at Lincoln Cathedral. For his bad behaviour he was turned to stone. A disincentive for bad behaviour that George would probably like to introduce for O bin L? Thanks also to members who have offered 1930s cable clips. What a great
crew!
Nigel Land
North Lincs UK