Trying to identify my 1950s Lenton Sports

[vociferous]

That is interesting! Did yours have similar 1957 decal layout? (Raleigh vertically down the seat tube and "Lenton Sports" running along the downtube). I am getting some reproduction 1957 decals made and, given MOQs, would be glad to give you some.

I have the Lenton Grand Prix, not the Sports. The decal set is different.

 

[Fanguson]

I have the Lenton Grand Prix, not the Sports. The decal set is different.

Aah, the new-fangled derailleur version. With only 4,000 frames apart mine must have been one of the last Lenton Sports and yours one of the earliest Lenton GPs.

Does your bike have 27 inch wheels (and if so, do they fit in the frame with mudguards?). I am trying to work out what to do with wheels for mine - the originals were 26 x 1-1/4" (597mm), now too rare to consider using. I'm considering going down to a 26 x 1-3/8 (590mm), up to a 700C (622mm) or a 27 inch (630mm). The 590 wheels look a bit small and my GB Coureur brakes can't reach them, the 700Cs fit well and the brakes reach (but that is not an original size on any 50s Raleigh). I don't have a pair of 27 inch wheels to try in the frame.