Phil; After closer inspection of the pictures, I called Len Ingram in the U.K. The frame in fact was built for show, but the York Show in 1963. Len has the original frame card for the Track Supreme which states the colour, so the paint colour may be correct. Again I wrote the seller, and questioned the originality of componants and paint, which the seller clearly states that the transfers are not original, but are correct for the 1963 period, which they are. However the seller says nothing of the paints originality.
The Track Supreme was sold as "frame only" to a dealer, Wilson at Birmingham on september 7th, 1963.
I quetioned Len about the lugwork, as I noticed the fork looked like Mountain King lugwork, and the frame card signed by Jack Denny clearly states the frame is complete Mtn. King.
Best regards, Peter Naiman Glendale, WI
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Phil; According to the Hetchin's site the Track Supreme was built between 1962-64, so the auction statement of this being in show in 1966 doesn't quite add up, not saying I doubt the word of the seller, but more likely the exact history may not be correct. It was probably at show in the 1961-64 era. Your research on the production year in correct for 1963. The first digit would be the year of production.
I've written the owner to find out if the componants are original to the frame. As for desirability, most Vintage collectors are looking for the much more elaborately lugged Hetchins, usually Latin Lug series bikes. Experto Credes show up often, Magnum Bonums occasionally, and a Magnum Opus Phase II is getting almost as rare as hen's teeth. Pricing will probably not go very high, but factor in that if it was in fact a show bike, that could raise value considerably. Part of my questioning to the seller is verification of his statement as to it being a show bike, which is most likely just passed down word of mouth.
Best regards, Peter Naiman Glendale, WI
Phil Sieg <triodelover@comcast.net> wrote: Thoughts on this offering ? Item#6603650687.
If the serial number is correct and I'm interpreting it correctly, this frame was built in '63. Any of the British contingent know the seller?
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Phil Sieg
Knoxville, Tennessee