Holdsworth Frame Numbers

That all makes sense, I should have realised they have to make them a while in advance.
I hadn't spotted that the Avanti was launched in 1982.

As of 11am this morning I now own #040102 (also 531 from 1982).
Needs a little work, but I need some exercise :)
 
Just found this thread whilst researching my latest Holdsworth acquisition, a 531 Special. On Kilgariff these are shown as only built in 1975/76. Mine has a 4 digit frame number that supposedly dates as a '73 Custom build. Any ideas, please. Pics attached.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_20211003_141535013.jpg
    IMG_20211003_141535013.jpg
    368.7 KB · Views: 16
  • IMG_20211001_105224299.jpg
    IMG_20211001_105224299.jpg
    358.1 KB · Views: 18
  • IMG_20210909_140752587.jpg
    IMG_20210909_140752587.jpg
    914 KB · Views: 15
  • IMG_20210822_182159300.jpg
    IMG_20210822_182159300.jpg
    306.9 KB · Views: 13
  • IMG_20210822_182152751.jpg
    IMG_20210822_182152751.jpg
    241.5 KB · Views: 13
  • IMG_20210822_155504845.jpg
    IMG_20210822_155504845.jpg
    532.9 KB · Views: 12
  • IMG_20211003_143259265.jpg
    IMG_20211003_143259265.jpg
    442.1 KB · Views: 16
Looks like the Holdsworthy 4D custom/branded numbering prediction of 1970 up until 1976 factory move has been revised since last time I looked at data - maybe a year ago? The prior prediction would have had your frame #4615 as being built in 1975.

The previous high frame number on Excel was #5511 which was also a Special and interesting that the number is not far from your own. The addition of a single not well documented frame #8548 has skewed the prediction. (This short lived series has a total to date of 39 serial numbers.)
See:
1633399432423.png
@ https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/...KZkN4TmM?resourcekey=0-j-KniNT_OXPNIbKK6YXhVg

As you say, the present prediction dates the build of your frame to 1973. There is no catalogue for 1974 but Kilgariff does list the Special model as being offered in 1974. It is conceivable that your frame was built in the second half of 1973 as a new 1974 model. This was often done.
Kilgariff: "1974 Holdsworthy models were .........and Special."

The present prediction for the early 70's Holdsworthy custom/branded frames is uncertain. Perhaps Dave Scrimshaw will comment.
 
Hi, this is starting to give me some clarity. The information from the seller I was given when I bought this was that he was a relative of the original owner who had the bike refinished in original colour with some slight alterations, possibly the under BB cable guide, relocating the cable stop on the drive side chainstay and possibly the cable guides on the top tube. The work was supposedly carried out by an ex Holdsworth employee, the quality of the finish is excellent !. I would point out that the '531' decal is an 'up to' July '73 style, although frames used this after that date. The Shimano 600 groupset fitted is also supposedly original, as it is an early 3 bolt crank group from about 1975, when this groupset was introduced. It has all been well looked after, a credit to the original owner, who I cannot trace, at the moment.
On another note, reading back through this thread, I take it you are interested in other Holdsworth frame numbers. If so I have two more for you.
The first is the Mistral (#(0)60972, therefore 1984 build ?) I owned in the mid to late '80s. A sable brown frameset I bought from a shop in Enfield (sorry cannot remember the name) in about '86, along with a Chorus groupset, to built myself my dream bike ! Pics of frame label and me with bike. This frame was slightly unusual as it had a cage mount under the top tube. Unfortunately traded for a mtb in '92 as the craze picked up.
The second is one I am the current custodian of (#049831, therefore 1983 build ?). This has been refinished, and again is unusual with no lamp mount on the front fork.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_20210215_141007576_HDR~2.jpg
    IMG_20210215_141007576_HDR~2.jpg
    1.1 MB · Views: 24
  • IMG_20210313_150200770.jpg
    IMG_20210313_150200770.jpg
    432.3 KB · Views: 24
  • EPSON001 (2).JPG
    EPSON001 (2).JPG
    98.5 KB · Views: 21
  • EPSON002.JPG
    EPSON002.JPG
    97 KB · Views: 19
  • Roger on London-Dartmoor Run.jpg
    Roger on London-Dartmoor Run.jpg
    317 KB · Views: 25
Last edited:
Hi everyone. My first post as I just joined this site.
I've just pulled this 531 Holdsworth from a shed but struggling to work out the model and year from the charts I've found online
The frame number on bottom bracket is 9417 then under the number is a faintly stamped "H"
IMG20220121110104.jpg IMG20220121110114.jpg IMG20220121110128.jpg
It looks 80s to me as lacking lugs but has some interesting frame features around the rear drop outs?
The Sachs gearing looks to be updated as it has pricing in marker pen still hand written on
ive attached these pics, any help would be grand. thanks IMG20220121110114.jpg IMG20220121110128.jpg IMG20220121110133.jpg IMG20220121111248.jpg IMG20220121111309.jpg IMG20220121111321.jpg IMG20220121113710.jpg IMG20220121113746.jpg IMG20220121114010.jpg
 
According to the frame number list (dcscrimshaw) this frame would be W F Holdsworth from 1948.
The frame looks right to me, Super Champion "Osgear" ends, 2 plate fork crown and the seat stay capping.
All right for the period. The term used at that time for the lugless construction was correctly "bronze welded", now usually called "fillet brazed". The filler rods would normally be Suffolk Iron Founders (SIF) Bronze.

Keith
 
Very nice, especially those Hiduminium brakes and that Brooks clamp-on saddle bag support.
 

Latest posts

Back
Top