Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - My 1957 PLX 8 Grande

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View Full Version : My 1957 PLX 8 Grande


Sixty Fiver
04-30-09, 10:41 AM
http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/edithnewbars1.jpg

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/edithnewbars2.jpg

Original catalogue scan...

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/plx10.jpg

I have been considering parting with the crown jewel in my collection and now have to figure out what a 1957 Peugeot PLX8 is worth and I know that there are lots of variables in the market.

The bike is all original save for the bars and wrap and the only flaw is the front headlight which is missing it's lens and a small dent in the rear fender which I will be repairing to new condition.

It has some rare bits like it's Simplex JUY 543 rear derailer and full open back Mafac levers and as far as I can tell, has not seen much use in the last 52 years... the chain rings show no wear, the Sedis chain is as new and used a screw and threaded back plate to connect things.

I have never seen a chain like this.

The bike is an absolute joy to ride but I don't think I rode her more than a handful of times last year and I will admit I always have some stress when I take here out lest she get damaged...breaking that rear d would be catastrophic as a replacement (NOS) will cost close to 1000.00 U.S.

The bike itself isn't cosmetically perfect as there are a few small marks here and there and she has a slight patina of age which I think only makes her more attractive...the decals are in beautiful condition. The frame is made with Peugeot's "Helium" tubes which are known for being susceptible to corrosion but this frame is very clean...I suspect it spent most of it's life in a garage or in storage as there just aren't that many signs of wear and tear.

The wheels are 700c Rigidas (steel) that simply glow...the spokes are a little scruffy and either need a good polishing or replacement with some nice stainless ones and I may just do this when i give her a complete overhaul (just on principle).

I have replaced the Koolstops with reproduction Mafac brakes as they stop the bike nearly as well and don't squeal nearly as badly... it's not like I take this bike out in the rain and her trips have been pretty limited to quiet Sunday rides. As a light tourer, randonneur is has cantis rather than the typical centre pull Mafac racers seen on most Peugeots.

I really think she belongs in a museum and I would be keeping my Ideale model 92... I may have found an Ideale model 6 that is in pristine shape and matches the bars and will find out about that later as it's owner is reluctant to part with it. When he sees how well it matches the bike he may change his mind.

The Wald racks will be coming off.

I do of course have more pictures of this bike.


miamijim
04-30-09, 10:56 AM
The first number that came to mind was $600 but I could be way off.

Iowegian
04-30-09, 11:00 PM
The model 6's seem to come up pretty regularly on ebay, even NOS, if you're set on finding one.

I don't know what type of museum you are thinking of, but there is a shop (http://ubikes.com/) here in town that has quite a collection of old bikes. Everything from early 1900's track bikes to Olympic rides from the 1980's. They have all been tastefully restored or preserved. I'm sure they'd be interested in your bike and would give it a good home, hanging in the shop with all the other incredible machines that are already there.


cudak888
05-01-09, 12:01 AM
Go blue cotton on the tape, and see if you can dig up a pair of tires that might look similar to those in the catalog picture. Presto, instant 20% price boost.

It has always called out for lots of blue, if I may say so. Perhaps I am influenced by that catalog photo.

-Kurt

miamijim
05-01-09, 09:50 AM
Go blue cotton on the tape, and see if you can dig up a pair of tires that might look similar to those in the catalog picture. Presto, instant 20% price boost.

It has always called out for lots of blue, if I may say so. Perhaps I am influenced by that catalog photo.

-Kurt

Kurt makes some good points here. I'd try to get as close to catalog as possible. Blue tape and some type of gumwall or skinwall tire would help.