Originally Posted by Tom Pedale
Having worked at a shop in the 70's that sold the Motobecane brand, it's interesting to note how quality endures. At the time, all of us in the shop thought the Motobecane paint jobs were the best among all of the brands we sold. Instead of decals, they silk screened the graphics on the frames, even on the lower end models. They also had a very cool, elegant looking head badges and those ornate nervex lugs. The example on e-bay, while appearing expensive to us old-timers probably reflects the increasing collectability of these bikes. Part of what you're buying is "art". I think that while the e-bay example is in wonderful condition, if I were to buy a Grand Jubilee from this era, it would absolutely, positively have to be in the silver and red combination.
Agree with you on the quality. The pair of old Falcons I've obtained exhibit a fit and finish that you just don't find on new bikes anymore. Mirror finish on the paint, elaborate head tube badge, hand filed and chromed head tube lugs, chromed rear stays and sloping crown fork... my modern ride may be a bit lighter and have space age shifters, but park it next to one of these old beauties and it just doesn't compare. The 30 year old Campy components are still in excellent condition, too.