My Carlton Massed Start Special

[DavidSchweizer]

I have a 1954 Carlton Massed Start Special which I have decided to try and sell after more than 50 years of ownership, and would welcome any advice on how to achieve this. the bike was substantially rebuilt in the mid 1970's with the frame being sand blasted and resprayed, and most of the original components being replaced. Since then it's condition has been affected by use and storage, but it is still a nice looking bike which rides really well. It deserves a new owner who will care for it, but I have no real idea of it's value or where it would be best advertised, so any advice would be gratefully received. I am attaching a few photos to give an idea of it's current condition.

I have lots more photos if anyone wishes to see them

 

[Paulus]

A nice looking bike.

 

[DCLane]

Lovely bike - @Spokesmann is the Carlton specialist on here.

Currently the market is very depressed - I've had a 1956 model for sale for months. My suggestion is £100-200 currently.

 

[raleighnut]

Very Nice

 

[biggs682]

Welcome @DavidSchweizer and wow what a lovely looking bike.

Are you sure you want to get rid of it after 50 years of enjoyment?

 

[DavidSchweizer]

Thanks for the responses, and to DCLane for a suggested valuation, although I suspect it will be nearer to the £100 mark, the need for the buyer to collect will probably affect price and reduce the number of people willing to travel. What I do not yet know is where to advertise it, would eBay be a good place to start ? or there is Marketplace and Gumtree, but I do not have much experience of either except for smaller domestic items. Any suggestions, especially from anyone who has managed to sell recently, would be much appreciated.

 

[biggs682]

Thanks for the responses, and to DCLane for a suggested valuation, although I suspect it will be nearer to the £100 mark, the need for the buyer to collect will probably affect price and reduce the number of people willing to travel. What I do not yet know is where to advertise it, would eBay be a good place to start ? or there is Marketplace and Gumtree, but I do not have much experience of either except for smaller domestic items. Any suggestions, especially from anyone who has managed to sell recently, would be much appreciated.

Where are you roughly located?
Gumtree and marketplace no fees but I think it's the same on e bay ?
At £100 it's a nice bike for someone who appreciates the older ones

 

[DavidSchweizer]

I live in a Wiltshire village close to Bradford on Avon. I have used both Gumtree and Marketplace in the past, but have only found them of much use when items are free, I tend to buy and sell through eBay, but they do charge a commission - Swings and Roundabouts. I was hoping that someone would know of a dedicated vintage Bike sales site.

 

[DCLane]

@DavidSchweizer - eBay's changed it's policy so there are no seller fees but a small amount is added on which the buyer pays. You'll find my Carlton on eBay, along with a couple of other bikes I've got on there currently.

I've found Gumtree and Facebook to be a pain as there's constant questions and offers of £10 if I deliver it across the country.

 

[DavidSchweizer]

Yes, eBay have changed their policy, now the buyer pays the commission instead of the seller, but the outcome is the same except that the buyer will now take that into account when bidding, rather than the seller when posting. Ayway, I will take another look at Gumtree, but I think it will be eBay. which is your Carlton on eBay?

 

[DCLane]

@DavidSchweizer - this one's mine: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/167433175562

If it doesn't sell this Spring I'll dismantle the bike and sell it as parts since we will possibly need the storage space late July.