This restoration story is typical of so many.... a bike with precious memories that a family has hung onto and want to bring enjoyment to the current generation of cyclists... and the next.
This 1955 Claud Butler International arrived with me as a battered frame and a box of rusty parts.... just the kind of challenge I relish!
This is an extract from the email I received after he got the bike (his father’s) back:
Thank you
Received bike the other day, all safe and sound
It's built up now, planning to take it out for a ride in the next couple of days. I have to say you have made a superb job of restoring it, it's just excellent. I sat yesterday looking at photos of the bike before I sent it down, it was in such poor condition, really pleased you managed yo save it . It's almost 70 years old.
My parents would of just loved it, would of bought back so many happy memories of their younger days.
It's nice to have it in the house, it's already known as Grandpa's old bike.
Thank you so much, best regards
1955 Claud Butler International AKA The story of "Grandpa's old bike"
1967 Holdsworth Italia
Arrived with me a few months ago as a frameset and many boxes of rather tired components and mismatched wheels.
Returned to its owner in exactly the same trim that his father raced it in in the 60's ... another one saved.
