Holdsworth Special. Frame number 104?

[ralban27]

Hi,
Total newbie to RB, but have a few old bikes. I have recently acquired a Holdsworth, with frame number 104 as stamped on the BB.
The owner had the bike from new and said it dated back to 1973, and was a Special in 531c. I just wanted to try and get some more info on this and ascertain its provenance. I am in no doubt of the owners claim,but did see a chart which suggested that a 3 digit frame number such as this would denote it to be a custom build from 1970? Can anyone give me any suitable leads or info?

Many thanks in advance.

I will try and post some pics as well.

 

[ralban27]

Ok...how do you post pics??



cheers

 

[torqueless]

Re:

Afaik the 'Holdsworth Special' did not exist as a model until 1975, and '531c' as a category of Reynolds tubing did not exist until the '80s, so the 'owner' may have got his dates muddled up. I cannot imagine one having got a three digit number during production.

I think you need to rack up a few more verbal posts before you can post pics.

Edit: couldn't see pics when I posted. Yes that does look like one of the early Specials. Should be '75 or '76. The BB shell could have been replaced, and stamped, possibly by Jackson? Have a look on the steerer tube. The original number should be repeated there.

 

[ralban27]

Hi,

Thx for info...maybe my 531c error is mine...he said it was double butted 531 frame and forks. It was restored by Bob Jackson some years ago and basically not ridden since. I managed to get some pics up.
I did read that the Special was only made for one year?
I would be very grateful if anyone could identify it from the pics.

Many thanks for your interest

 

[ralban27]

It is apparently all original with what I believe to be a 1973 first edition Dura Ace drivetrain.

 

[torqueless]

Re:

See my edit above..

 

[ralban27]

Re: Re:

See my edit above..

Many thanks

I've had a look at the various brochures available from early 70's...I cant see a great deal of visual difference between a mistral, or a Cyclone (Both similar Prugnat lugs) or some of the others...excuse my ineptitude!

 

[torqueless]

Re:

That style of Prugnat lug was used on the early Special, '75-6. I don't think the Mistral used the same lug pattern. The treatment of the seat stays where they join the seat lug was fairly distinctive on the early Special too- different to the wraparound on the Mistral. Yes it should be 531db. (27.2mm seatpin)

 

[ralban27]

Just checked the rear seat stay...smooth into the lug...so I think you are very correct. Many thanks. I have to say it is absolutely stunning.

 

[torqueless]

Re:

Yes yours is so dark and shiny in the photos that it is difficult to make out the details!
There's a comprehensive photo-shoot of a Special here against which you can compare the details of your frame:
https://k-i-n-g.ch/en/holdsworth-531-special