Obviously, you are correct, and this is a 1973 model. Perhaps the frame was welded up in late 1972...? Interestingly, I have another 1973 black competition that does not have Capella lugs-perhaps they finally ran out and moved on to the next bin?
Robert St.Cyr Davis, Ca usa
>From: Donald Gillies <gillies@cs.ubc.ca>
>To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
>Subject: Re: [CR]Capella-lugged Raleighs
>Date: Wed, 7 Feb 2007 01:28:52 -0800 (PST)
>
>capella lugs were designed by carlton in about 1960, for a new series
>of bikes whose names started with "C" (constellation, catalina, clubman,
>etc.)
>
> see: http://www.carltoncycles.me.uk/
>
>The last time they were used on regular production bikes was in 1973,
>and I suspect that Carlton decided to use up this stock of lugs (as
>the super course, competition, and international all came with those
>lugs in that year only.) Previous to 1973, only the Raleigh super
>course had sported those lugs. I know of at least one person who
>hated the 1973 lugs and lugwork and sent his international back to
>raleigh asking for a replacement frameset - which he got.
>
>The presence of Capella lugs almost always guarantees that a Raleigh
>Carlton is a 1973 model.
>
>I have seen one bike - an Ilkeston Team Pro from the late 70's - with
>capella lugs in my 3 years on ebay. A rare bird indeed.
>
>- Don Gillies
>San Diego, CA
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