Interesting discussion regarding whether to ride that priceless nos treasure, or to hang it on the wall. I've always been of the ride it mentality, although that is now open to debate by my internal demons.
Last summer, I almost stated through no fault of my own, I managed to write off what was reputed to be one of six CCM Nervex-lugged Flyer track bikes.
The claim is that the 6 were made to support the Canadian team at the Commonwealth games. They were catalogue listed by CCM, but they were expensive so there were no takers.
Another rider rolled a tubular in the corner at the beginning of our final lap during a "vintage" bike race. I was right on his wheel when he fell, and the impact with him and the ground was enough to crumple all three main tubes in the frame. If I were a whiner, I'd blame the other rider for not gluing on his tire properly. But the reality is that by going on the track, I accepted the risk inherent with the activity. If you can't accept the consequences of that car door when you ride your treasure, then perhaps you shouldn't ride it.
I am still of the mentality that my bikes are to be ridden. I may just be a little more selective where that might be in the future.
I now have the impossibly narrow Brooks B-17 Sprinter saddle (Ebay item # 1104002387) and the lovely Cinelli steel track bars & stem (Ebay item #1104035301) on auction from the late lamented CCM. Among a lot of other, perhaps less interesting, cycling items also listed on Ebay.
Cheers,
Larry Strung