Went to an auction today to possibly bid on a Shelby Airflow. (Don't see too many of these come up for sale as we all know)
Auctioneer started the auction asking for $10,000 for the bicycle but gradually came down to $2000 and stated that he had an online bidder at that amount.
Bidding was strong and the price for the bike quickly went up to $3300. Add a 20% buyers premium for an out of state phone bidder...(10% for those of us in the audience), plus 6.75% NC sales tax put the bike over the $4000 mark for the hammer price.
Not sure where its heading but perhaps to a new owner here on TheCABE.
Unfortunately the bike had been poorly repainted at some time which was not totally clear from the posted pics from the auction house. I got a chuckle out of the goofy contraption made from 1/2 inch galvanized pipe that was wrapped around the seat and extended beyond the back fender. Thinking it might have been used as a bracket to hang the bicycle from a rafter in the barn/garage where it was allegedly found.
However the bicycle still had some great original parts on it. It had what looked to be nicely preserved horizontal spring Lobdell seat...which had a vintage cover over it. (appeared to be in great shape).
Tank appeared to be solid. Missing lens and the bezel did have a little damage. Nice rack, pedals, chain-guard and fenders. Handle bars not the streamlined design...also missing rear fender light and drop-stand.
Enjoy the pics of a very rare bicycle that is going to one lucky owner. Hopefully the repaint can be removed to expose the original coating.)
Thanks
Steve K
Greensboro, NC
Auctioneer started the auction asking for $10,000 for the bicycle but gradually came down to $2000 and stated that he had an online bidder at that amount.
Bidding was strong and the price for the bike quickly went up to $3300. Add a 20% buyers premium for an out of state phone bidder...(10% for those of us in the audience), plus 6.75% NC sales tax put the bike over the $4000 mark for the hammer price.
Not sure where its heading but perhaps to a new owner here on TheCABE.
Unfortunately the bike had been poorly repainted at some time which was not totally clear from the posted pics from the auction house. I got a chuckle out of the goofy contraption made from 1/2 inch galvanized pipe that was wrapped around the seat and extended beyond the back fender. Thinking it might have been used as a bracket to hang the bicycle from a rafter in the barn/garage where it was allegedly found.
However the bicycle still had some great original parts on it. It had what looked to be nicely preserved horizontal spring Lobdell seat...which had a vintage cover over it. (appeared to be in great shape).
Tank appeared to be solid. Missing lens and the bezel did have a little damage. Nice rack, pedals, chain-guard and fenders. Handle bars not the streamlined design...also missing rear fender light and drop-stand.
Enjoy the pics of a very rare bicycle that is going to one lucky owner. Hopefully the repaint
can be removed to expose the original coating.)Thanks
Steve K
Greensboro, NC
