Trying to identify my 1950s Lenton Sports

[Fanguson]

I have just acquired a Lenton Sports frame in quite decent condition. I am trying to identify the model specifics before embarking on restoration.
It has the Reg Harris Olympic torch logo and, unusually, the "Lenton Sports" decal is on the downtube and "Raleigh" runs vertically down the seat tube. The frame number (on the seat lug) is 77206RA.

I am thinking that this is an early 1957 Lenton Sports because:
1. from https://on-the-drops.blogspot.com/2...0.html#:~:text=specification changes for 1957
"specification changes for 1957
downtube transfers for "Raleigh", "Rudge" or "Humber" now vertical on the seat tube
model name now more prominently displayed on the down tube
new 'flash' styled white peak head treatment"
2. later that year the Lenton Sports was replaced by the Lenton Grand Prix with 27 inch wheels and derailleur gearing
3. it is consistent with the frame numbering (late RA series)

However, what has me flummoxed is the colour - black with cream head tube. I am thinking it should be green, red or blue. I believe the Lenton Grand Prix released later that year had a black with cream head tube paint job but this is not one of those - no derailleur fittings. There is no evidence of repainting.

So what do I have here? All advice gratefully received!

Tony

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

Welcome to retro bike. The head tube has certainly been repainted. Hopefully @3wheeler7 can shed some light.

 

[Fanguson]

The head tube has certainly been repainted.

It has, but the frame itself does not appear to have been repainted.

 

[Fanguson]

More photos of the frame including serial number

 

[3wheeler7]

I see that you've already found the most comprehensive website i.e. "On the Drops".
The Raleigh catalogues usually stated the posh "new" eye-catching colours for a particular year - but what they didn't always say is that most models were also available to order in the "standard" range of colours i.e non-metallics, green, black, red etc.
The transfer positioning appears to be correct for early 1957.

 

[Fanguson]

I see that you've already found the most comprehensive website i.e. "On the Drops".
The Raleigh catalogues usually stated the posh "new" eye-catching colours for a particular year - but what they didn't always say is that most models were also available to order in the "standard" range of colours i.e non-metallics, green, black, red etc.
The transfer positioning appears to be correct for early 1957.

Great to know, thank you. So I have a 1957 Lenton Sports (which happens to be the year I was born). I'm going to enjoy restoring this one.
I already have a dilemma with wheels. Looks like the bike originally had 26x1-1/4 wheels (597) which are impossible to find. I'll need to go down to 26x1-3/8 (590) or up to 700C (622). Down feels better - at least that was a proper British size at the time. I have found a nice set of GB Coureur 66 brakes for it so I'll need to work out how far they will reach. 3.5mm shouldn't be too much to ask hopefully.

 

[Fanguson]

@3wheeler7 (or anyone else) any clues on where I can find a new set of decals? H Lloyd has many Lenton decals but not the 1957 set.

 

[3wheeler7]

I imagine those particular decals were pretty unique and a small production run, love the little snowflakes on the seat tube.
Perhaps you could make some scans and get a reasonable price from one of the smaller decal makers?
For example https://www.isaydingdong.co.uk/custom-jobs.html