1976 Holdsworth Autograph

[PhillB]

My latest project is this 1976 Holdsworth Autograph, bearing the moniker of the famous Les West.


Now, I know that this bike is not particularly rare or exotic - it was a mid-level bike in the Holdsworth range at the time it seems. Having said that, there was some competition for it on eBay, but in the end I won it for a relatively small bid. This was one of those times where I saw it and just knew I wanted to restore it.


It seems pretty much all original - Sunshine Hubs laced to Birmalux rims - GB Stem and some Campy switchgear. It's possible the original owner may have upgraded it at purchase as the Saddle and Bars (Sakae) are period, but not catalogue (as far as I can see). The reason I speculate this is the seller provided the original sales receipt - Feb 1977 with a sum of £137.10 - which was higher than the regular price of the bike at the time.

Anyway, it's completely stripped down at the moment and overall in pretty good condition for its age. No real rust or corrosion. The Sunshine rear hub makes a lovely noise .

Planning to keep it all original, except perhaps the saddle and tyres and some new grips.

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

My latest project is this 1976 Holdsworth Autograph, bearing the moniker of the famous Les West.
View attachment 868238

Now, I know that this bike is not particularly rare or exotic - it was a mid-level bike in the Holdsworth range at the time it seems. Having said that, there was some competition for it on eBay, but in the end I won it for a relatively small bid. This was one of those times where I saw it and just knew I wanted to restore it.

View attachment 868240
It seems pretty much all original - Sunshine Hubs laced to Britmax rims - GB Stem and some Campy switchgear. It's possible the original owner may have upgraded it at purchase as the Saddle and Bars (Sakae) are period, but not catalogue (as far as I can see). The reason I speculate this is the seller provided the original sales receipt - Feb 1977 with a sum of £137.10 - which was higher than the regular price of the bike at the time.

Anyway, it's completely stripped down at the moment and overall in pretty good condition for its age. No real rust or corrosion. The Sunshine rear hub makes a lovely noise .

Planning to keep it all original, except perhaps the saddle and tyres and some new grips.

Very nice. Britmax rims? It was usually Birmalux or Weinmann. Either way bikes like this need love and it will look and rive very well

 

[PhillB]

Very nice. Britmax rims? It was usually Birmalux or Weinmann. Either way bikes like this need love and it will look and rive very well

Ha, I had to go and check, but yes Birmalux (not Britmax! I've corrected above). It has Weinmann callipers.

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

Ha, I had to go and check, but yes Birmalux (not Britmax! I've corrected above). It has Weinmann callipers.

English is hard mate I failed it at school and Jo still tears her hair out trying to teach me

 

[PhillB]

It is!. I spent some considerable time cleaning the rims yesterday and clearly remember reading 'Britmax' on them... thinking I had never heard of them.... then I looked this morning and it clearly says Birmalux...

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

It is!. I spent some considerable time cleaning the rims yesterday and clearly remember reading 'Britmax' on them... thinking I had never heard of them.... then I looked this morning and it clearly says Birmalux...

It will be a nice bike when finished. I like the fact you're keeping it original, it looks too nice to paint in your photos.

 

[PhillB]

It will be a nice bike when finished. I like the fact you're keeping it original, it looks too nice to paint in your photos.

Yes, the paint is not too bad - although it is discoloured in places and needs a little touch up here and here, but will be keeping the patina on this one as I kinda like it.

 

[PhillB]

Bit of an update in this one. Completely stripped down cleaned, new bearings, re-greased, polished, and lightly restored. Front Wheel rebuilt with new spokes & New tyres. New saddle, grips and brake levers. I wanted to rebuild the rear wheel, but the Regina Corsa freewheel has beaten me (for now!) Just can't get it off without damaging it, so going to leave it for the moment. I have the pump and mudguards to restore, but hoping we might at least get a few days of summer first!

Probably not the most 'exciting' bike I have, but restoring it has been enjoyable and different. It rides nicely. I really like it.