Originally Posted by
trailmix
Why would someone go to so much trouble to make a fake Mistral? It isn’t like they are valuable or anything. Oh well, I am going to get it road ready and ride it for a bit to see if I like it and if not, I will use the parts for another frame. The parts are worth what I paid for the complete bike so I am not too worried about buying a counterfeit.
I appreciate your expertise and time.
If the Serial Number is located where it should be, it's a real Holdsworthy Factory Product, and a Very Fine Bicycle. I am not suggesting it is a "Fake." I am suggesting it is not a "Mistral." It is entirely possible in the 40+ years since the frame was built it has been resprayed professionally, and they didn't have "Special" or "Whichever Model It Really Is" decals on hand but did have "Mistral" slides so slid them on. The other Holdsworth decals do not match the ones I've seen on other Holdsworths from 1981, which supports this notion.
It is also possible the Factory mislabeled your bike. It is also possible I and the Catalog are entirely wrong and that year's Mistral did not feature "Wolf Ear Lugs." A lot of things are possible which don't involve deliberate deception on anyone's part.
It's not a "Professional." It may not be a "Special." Which size seat pillar fits?
I only mentioned my doubts as to your bike being a "Mistral" on the off chance your only source of knowing the model was the Seller. I did not see it was labeled a Mistral until you posted that photo. I sought to inform, not to malign.
I mean no disrespect to you or your fine new old Holdsworth.