'57 Lenton Grand Prix project

[WVBicycles]

job well done Bulldog that's one sweet looking ride .

 

[bulldog1935]

thanks

I'll post again when I have it final form in a few weeks - show the white fenders.

 

[WVBicycles]

theres one of these up for sale next week at the Copake Auction I may try to pick it up after seeing your build
http://copakeauction.hibid.com/lot/30823345/raleigh-lenton-grand-prix-bicycle/?q=Raleigh&ref=catalog

 

[bulldog1935]

theres one of these up for sale next week at the Copake Auction I may try to pick it up after seeing your build
http://copakeauction.hibid.com/lot/30823345/raleigh-lenton-grand-prix-bicycle/?q=Raleigh&ref=catalog

that's a beauty, '58 or '59 - the Weinmann brakes are not original - it would have had GB brakes, but everything else is correct on the bike.
The only thing "correct:" on my bike is the stem and saddle, to keep all in perspective.
Again, it's a beauty to find one in that condition.
The thing that's curious about '57 is it seems to be the last year they blued frames before painting them, essentially making them rustproof. I found a good photoset of another '57 online, also silver, and also turned platinum gray from the bluing.

The bike you found with no rust is exceptional.

 

[dnc1]

An unrestored, original '59 marque III model was recently featured in the V-CC club news.
All original, other than the saddle.
Nice job on yours, looking good, lovely detailed work.

 

[WVBicycles]

Copake is a screwy auction they have a Raleigh International they estimate to sell for $100 to $150 which I see going for under a grand the Lenton Grand prix could sell for what they predict if not more due to its condition. I am on the fence on the bike but I could be a buyer if the biding starts off low and slow.

 

[bulldog1935]

My buddy Lou's bike is a 1960 and it has a Cyclo shifted FD, with double braze-on shifters.

His also has 5 rear cogs instead of 4 like the auction bike.

Also, his frame was definitely not blued under the paint - everywhere his paint is chipped, there's a touch of rust.

 

[bulldog1935]

first ride today - everything worked great, though the brakes are marginal

 

[sam]

wow looks fast just setting still.

 

[bulldog1935]

wow looks fast just setting still.

I think the Simplex chainguard gives it the Winged Mercury look

the bike is fast, handles great, comfortable, and a great climber - I'm going to have to come up with a plan to improve the brakes.
Sam, hoping to be at Frankenbike early Sat morning - will probably leave by the noon race.