Before the "Coronation" and "Elizabethan" came the ladies loop frame promoted as "streamlined, glamorous and exciting".
There is a thread with the evolving understanding of this model is here. I do not propose to revisit the information in that thread.
From a search on Trove, it appears the model was first released in 1948
I find the design interesting in that it sought to apply streamlined flowing shapes to bicycles.
I bought one for my wife.
The serial number indicates it was produced in Melbourne in 1948.
I had it blasted to see the state of the frame, which was very good, with only a minor ding on one to the pair of thin downtubes. I sprayed the frame and forks with etch primer and a putty coat.
Slowly I have been accumulating parts; rims and hubs, mudguards, chainguard, crankset. I had a chainring made.
Last weekend my ever resourceful brother-in-law filled the ding, filled in the original mudguard and chainguard drilled holes which needed repositioning to suit this frame, as well as brazed on a new chainguard mount also to match this frame.
I have rebuilt it to check all parts are in the right position before I strip it down and start the preparation for painting.
I thought it might be a suitable time to start a thread.
The rear mudguard stays will be reshaped. The French Durax cranks will need to be rethreaded and then chrome plated.
The frame will be in a purple with period lining and decals from Cyclomondo.
I have been encouraged by my wife to keep the progress no faster than a snails pace. After 4 years her enthusiasm has remained very modest [actually "I am not going to ride it"]
Bruce Small's sales pitch of 1948 obviously does not work with my wife.
I am still hunting for a headset in very good condition. If you have one and are willing to sell please contact me.
