Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Early 1970s Raleigh Professional Mark III

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bds34
03-24-10, 04:40 PM
My father has a Raleigh Professional Mark III that's been hanging in his garage pretty much since they moved into the house in 1984. He bought it new in 1970 or 1971. What should he do with it? Is it worth any sort of attempt to restore or sell as is?

auchencrow
03-24-10, 04:49 PM
My father has a Raleigh Professional Mark III that's been hanging in his garage pretty much since they moved into the house in 1984. He bought it new in 1970 or 1971. What should he do with it? Is it worth any sort of attempt to restore or sell as is?

That is a very desirable bike - Pics would help some of the experts in this forum make an assessment as to value.
Whether you restore or not has to do in part with what your own intentions are for it . Eg., Do you intend to use it/ simply turn it for cash.
EjustE
03-24-10, 05:25 PM
If it fits you or your father and want to ride it, it is a great bike. They will be some cost to get it to ride ready shape (clean up, new cables, adjustments, lube, tires, tubes) and any bike store can do it. If you do not like it, you will find many willing buyers, but I would suggest to take it to your local bike store for the above items before you sell it. You will recover at least double the cost of what you spend for it. On the other hand, if you want to sell it, parting it out might be the way to go, as it has a full Record component group on it.

mkeller234
03-24-10, 06:28 PM
I wouldn't part out a bike that nice if it is mostly original. Sure, you will probably make more money that way but it's more hassle and it's better (IMO) to keep it together. Like the others have said, it's a valuable, sought after bike. Post up some pictures and we will be able to help with a dollar amount.
rhm
03-25-10, 06:32 AM
I wouldn't part out a bike that nice if it is mostly original. Sure, you will probably make more money that way but it's more hassle and it's better (IMO) to keep it together. Like the others have said, it's a valuable, sought after bike. Post up some pictures and we will be able to help with a dollar amount.

+1

Depending on this and that, I'm not even sure I'd recommend restoring it. The buyer might very likely want to do that him/herself.
bds34
03-25-10, 07:19 AM
Thanks everyone. I took a closer look at it last night and it's in pretty rough shape appearance-wise, not sure about mechanics. It has Campagnolo stuff on it. The pedals are missing but my dad thinks they may be around the house somewhere... he took them off to hang the bike but isn't sure if he put them on another bike at some point. Not sure how that might affect things. I will be looking to take some photos this weekend possibly.
5cagm
03-25-10, 08:43 AM
By rough shape do you mean rusty and the paint is chipped? If those aren't the issues and it has been hanging in a garage for all these years, just take it down and cleaning her up will do lots of good. Again, pictures please.
mkeller234
03-26-10, 12:09 AM
I am with rhm. I would consider selling it as is, especially if you are not familiar to bike maintenance.