Many thanks to everyone for your replies and for the lively discussion.
Continuing my musings on restoration/ rebuild and why we do it, I also asked myself: Why does it matter? Who will see it?
In answering those questions I found myself recalling a story my old man told me about a former colleague of his who used to make replica scale-model ships in his spare time. This chap made museum quality repros. for display. He was so concerned about his craft that his models were minutely detailed right down to the interiors, including the working engines, which would be sealed below the decks and never seen again. When asked why he spent so much time and effort crafting items which no-one would ever see he replied "because I know they are there!"
I am not sure that there are many here in Ottawa who will appreciate the niceties of a restored late-1940s British bike. Nor will there be many who would realise the time, expense and effort taken to restore the machine. Who will see it on my early morning solo rides - the roadies on their carbon-framed bikes, the bike-messengers on their revamped lug-steel fixies or the commuters on their MTBs and hybrids?
So why do it? Because, as many of you pointed out, of the very great pleasure associated with giving old bikes a new life and putting them back on the road. Because, whether I consider myself a collector, hobbyist, rider or all three, I know!
Finally, a quick public apology to the former listmember (who I know still reads the archives) - my words were simply meant to be read, as I believe you intended in your comments to me, as a tongue-in-cheek commentary and not an indication of your own clear passion for vintage bicycles.
Paul Williams,
Ottawa, ON Canada