I have recently purchased number 261 from the original owner, along with a letter and Certificate of Registration from Raleigh UK, and 1970 Raleigh brochure. My understanding is that this was the first year of the Mk 2 Professional, and they were available as Special Limited Edition, only in brown. They were available in mink blue as well in the following years. I still need to do a little cleanup, re-lace the somewhat rusty spokes, find a longer stem and replace the saddle with a period correct Brooks Pro. I will then submit some pictures, as the paint and decals are in remarkable condition.
Back to the eBay sample, it's clearly re-worked and repainted. I find the selection of pictures a little suspicious...
Metin Uz Palo Alto, CA
On Thu, Nov 19, 2009 at 9:53 AM, john strizek <lyonstrings@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> I have number 56 of the Raleigh Professional Special Edition model. It is
> the Mink Brown. My preference would be be the Blue. However if you go to
> Sheldon's website look at his repaired and refinished frame by Brian
> Bayliss. On that bike alone I am happier to have the brown. If it were not
> for the limited edition sticker I would refurbish mine. As it is I will
> retain it in its humble and used condition.
>
> I have not seen any other color than the brown or blue. The picture of the
> sticker at the bottom of the seat tube for the red one on Ebay looks
> correct. This is certainly an anomaly to me.
>
> If anyone else has a special edition I would like to know.
>
> If anyone knows if the red color was actually offered I would like to know.
>
> Thank you in advance for your help in this conundrum.
> J. strizek; sacramento, california, in the USA