1939 Holdsworth La Variable

Hi everyone.

So I got my hands on this frame last week from a member here.
At the beginning I didn't think it was a Holdsworth at all, but after joining the VCC I contacted the Marque Enthusiast for Holdsworth (Roger Armstrong who appears to have worked for them).

He confirms the frame is identical to the La Variable on the catalogue and from the serial number (6015) he puts the build year as 1939.
What put me off were the spear point headtube lugs which I have never seen on a Holdsworth before (but, then again, I'm no expert) and the lack of a metal badge.

Now the first step is to clean it up properly and then decide what to do with the paint.
Few pictures of the frame:

More pictures here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/anidel/sets/72157646205155488/

I will try to look for period components, but I anticipate some will be VERY hard to find and some will be hyper expensive. So we'll see how it goes.

If you got anything you think it may fit the frame, do come forward please.
Thanks!

Looking forward to this!

This might help if you haven't seen it already?

The components list is quite intimidating......

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It is! Will see how far I can go.

The Simplex Selection Standard is impossible to find.

Di2 then :)

:p

subscribed.
have you accessed the 1939 Brown Bros and the 1939 Holdsworth Aids catalogue from the VCC library?
might be other period correct options there

Yes I do have access as I am a member of the VCC.

I am still debating where to build it period correct (on the expensive side!) or not.
Quite surely I'll ask Mario Vaz to paint it as much as period colours and linings as possible. I'll check that price first and go down from there.

Been offered a Osgear period derailleur system already and at a good price.

Found some wheels :)

Nice Weinmann 28 1 1/4 concave rims on Normandy high flange hubs. Rear flip flop hub tooth 3/32 fixed.
Not exactly period correct, but for now they'll do.

Tyres to trash, vintage Michelin but too old

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You will be needing a BSA 5 pin chainset for that..!

You can have these for a tenner. The chainring is free.
Great looking frame by the way, you wouldnt believe it was almost 80 years old..

That looks nice indeed.
Where are you based?

Great looking frame by the way, you wouldnt believe it was almost 80 years old..

True that. Albeit it has been re-painted at one point.

SE London, I might have some other bits of use also.

Like what?

Registering my interest in your lovely bike and subscribing to your thread. Those front forks are lush. Looking forward to seeing your plans for this.

Really like those forks. The crown is amazing. Can't wait to go to Mario Vaz and decide how to re-paint it.

There's some great examples of non concours period correct builds for value for money on here. Good luck.

Subscribed.

you guys are pushing me towards a proper period build just by subscribing! :)

Yes

So nice!

Really like those forks. The crown is amazing. Can't wait to go to Mario Vaz and decide how to re-paint it

Mario was very good advise in chosing colours and details (panels, lining, etc) and you probably know he used to work for Holdsworth

yes I know, he painted my Mistral as well. Thanks for you kind comments!

@Stevevw :p it can be costly

Green Mistral?

No flamboyant wine red: http://www.lfgss.com/conversations/248378/