Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - 1972 Raleigh Grand Sport - need info

I have a 1972 Raleigh Grand Sports. I've seen other descriptions with a slight variation of the name, but this is what the sticker on the bike says. It's white / turquoise, 27" wheels and has a Carlton sticker. The horizontal bar is 34" off the ground. I have the original owner’s manual and owner's handbook. The seat and handlebar tape have been replaced. I'm looking to sell it, but would like a little more detail, especially what would be important to a cyclist / collector. Also, any ballpark guess on the value. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

I have a 1972 Raleigh Grand Sports. I've seen other descriptions with a slight variation of the name, but this is what the sticker on the bike says. It's white / turquoise, 27" wheels and has a Carlton sticker. The horizontal bar is 34" off the ground. I have the original owner’s manual and owner's handbook. The seat and handlebar tape have been replaced. I'm looking to sell it, but would like a little more detail, especially what would be important to a cyclist / collector. Also, any ballpark guess on the value. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

I have an early 73 Grand Sports also. I believe the Gran Sport came soon afterward .
Block downtube Raleigh lettering indicates 73+, and script would be from 72 or prior..

Pictures would help assess value and date. Condition is very important.
If it is a 72, the spec's that would be of interest to a prospective purchaser are included in THIS LINK (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/retroraleighs/catalogs/Raleigh-Catalog-1972.pdf)

While the Grand Sport is one of Raleigh's better and truly classic rides, they were made in limited quantities.
Normally that would help value but in this case it hurts, because relatively few people are actively seeking them out.
In fact, it's not really that unusual to see them go for less than their little brothers - the Raleigh Super Course.

The price doesn't detract from the ride or aesthetic though, and if you find a buyer who wants one they would likely pay a premium for that white and lagoon-blue with the wide randonneur drops!

Here are a few pics.

It looks to be in very good condition, though badly in need of tires, cables and housing, tires and a lube. (The usual things).
I would guess it would bring about $250 as it is, un-restored.
The non-original saddle drags the value down.

It is a '73 with that down tube decaling, same as mine (below).

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh117/auchencrow/Raleigh%20Grand%20Sports%201973/GrandSports008a.jpg

These are terrible bikes... just look at those cheap dropouts in the rear.

And they are so light... they can't be strong enough to handle the rigours of the road.

You should send all of these to me for disposal... the 52-55 cm size range is the worst of them all.

:)

xrider22 -
Sixty Fiver is one of those knowledgeable people I told you about who knows what white and lagoon-blue is all about. :)

170365170364Wow!! I bought the same(almost) bike today!

http://s246.photobucket.com/albums/gg84/thumpick/Raleigh%20grand%20Sports/

I have giant hopes for this bike.........

Wow!! I bought the same(almost) bike today!

http://s246.photobucket.com/albums/gg84/thumpick/Raleigh%20grand%20Sports/

I have giant hopes for this bike.........

Double wow! - yours even came with Bluemels on it .
-You have to post that thing on "Catch of the day" in the main C&V forum.

These are terrible bikes... just look at those cheap dropouts in the rear.

And they are so light... they can't be strong enough to handle the rigours of the road.

You should send all of these to me for disposal... the 52-55 cm size range is the worst of them all.

:)



Thanks for the wonderful information / warning. I've boxed it up and will ship it off to you in the morning. :lol:

[QUOTE=auchencrow;11475086]It looks to be in very good condition, though badly in need of tires, cables and housing, tires and a lube. (The usual things).
I would guess it would bring about $250 as it is, un-restored.
The non-original saddle drags the value down.

It is a '73 with that down tube decaling, same as mine (below).


Thanks for the information.

These are terrible bikes but still my best and most loved ride.....171970171969171968 Built up from a bare frame, seat post has been replaced with a more appropriate cast aluminum model.