$1425 for this Grand Record frameset demonstrates what happens when two individuals want the same thing in an auction setting, especially on eBay. Looking at the bidding history it shows in the last 60 seconds of the auction, one person bid $1400, and another person (the high bidder) bid $1425 (or higher) to win. The next lower bidders were in the $450-500 range, which a more accurate valuation for this frameset.
Clearly the two high bidders particularly wanted a black & red Grand Record, in this particular size, and they were undoubtedly swayed by the exceptional condition. I'll bet a dollar to donuts that when each of them placed their unusually high bid of $1400+, neither of them expected to have to actually pay that much. They just wanted to make sure they won. And win they did. Sort of......
Mark Winkelman
Dallas, Texas USA
> Recently ended eBay auction: item no. 310157738411
>
> Yes, a bit rich for my blood. But, this appears uncommonly well
> finished for that period (or any). Having priced a restoration repaint
> on a different but similar frameset from the folks at Cyclart several
> years ago (complete with lug masking, outlining, re-chrome, etc.),
> I think this admittedly HIGH ebay winning bid is in fact really not
> so outrageous at all. And, remember, this particular frameset is
> in beautiful entirely ORIGINAL condition.
>
> With all the recent discussion of "re-paint or let it be..." I think this
> is a good example of the high value of original condition placed on a
> bike
> - at least by some folks. I have not priced such a restoration re-finish
> recently, but I suspect the total would be considerably less than the
> final
> auction amount. Especially, since this particular model had only the
> lower
> front fork blades chrome plated - not the headlugs nor any of the rear
> triangle.
>
> The rather heavy lug lining was really quite typical of the Motobecanes
> I've seen. However nice this bike (and it is definitely one of my very
> favorite models - and colors) it is nevertheless a factory production
> model.
> So, one would never expect a very finicky attention to detail when
> painting the lug shores which one of our fine custom builders or painters
> might lavish on a such bike in their care.
>
> If the buyer is a CR List member, I would certainly love to hear from him
> - either on or Off List.
>
>
> BOB HANSON, ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO, USA
>
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