Author Topic: low serial numbers  (Read 2751 times)

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Offline Old BS Guy

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low serial numbers
« on: November 15, 2016, 12:57:01 AM »
I was lucky enough recently to acquire a Trail 100, produced March of '68, with a serial number of "55". While scrounging through the local parts yard recently, I just happened to check the vin plate on another 100 trail remnant I found, and would you believe, #72? I don't know if any of this adds any significant value to these bikes, but these were obviously first month production units for their model. I'd like to hear more from others who might have significant low VIN's, especially high interest models like 350's or very early "B" models.
'65 BS Homer 50, '69 Mk II RS, '67 GTR, '70 GTO, '75 Taka 100, '69 Mk II SS.

Offline rwgibbon

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Re: low serial numbers
« Reply #1 on: November 15, 2016, 08:20:45 AM »
I recently started restoring a 1968 Bridgestone Trail. The serial number is 22E000806.
My understanding is the 22 means 100 Trail, E means it was built in May, 806 is the
production number.

It is interesting that Bridgestone built these prior to introducing the TMX.

Randy


Offline moonpup

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Re: low serial numbers
« Reply #2 on: November 15, 2016, 08:40:39 AM »
...... snip.....  I don't know if any of this adds any significant value to these bikes, but these were obviously first month production units for their model. ..... snip..... 

I don't believe low vins on Bridgestones add any increased value. If there is, I've never noticed it.

There might be some if you had #1 of a particular model, but who knows?
Confucius say... "Better to have Bridgestone than Kidneystone"

Offline Old BS Guy

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Re: low serial numbers
« Reply #3 on: November 15, 2016, 11:28:33 AM »
Pup; Yeah, I tend to agree. They made a total of 12,500 of the tube frame single cylinder bikes according to the late Graham W.'s records. The two I've laid hands on now supersede anything on record by number and earliest production month, dating back to March. I'm not sure that the 000072 bike is restore-able at a cost worthy of it's possible value. The #000055 bike definitely is, and I'll keep it in the collection when done, just for the rare number.

Randy;  That's great to hear. I'll be anxious to see your finished product. I still find it exciting to find any vehicle that was produced within the first 10% of a production model run. You never know what little odd rare differences might show up. I know some of the bikes were pulled from production for tests, then later reinserted for final finish and shipping. It leads to all sort of odd scenarios.

I believe over all, any added value of a low number comes by way of presentation to a potential buyer, and what it might mean to them. Over time, as the numbers continue to dwindle, the lower numbers will have a more significant meaning.
'65 BS Homer 50, '69 Mk II RS, '67 GTR, '70 GTO, '75 Taka 100, '69 Mk II SS.

Offline moonpup

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Re: low serial numbers
« Reply #4 on: November 15, 2016, 12:07:06 PM »
It's funny how in some marques early production examples are now highly collectable/desired.

For years, the Datsun 240Z crowd pointed to the 1972 model as the one to get, as by then all the "kinks" had been worked out and thus there were less problems to encounter. Fast forward to today & the "first boat load" Z's up to serial #500 are the most desired, along with their unique parts.

Confucius say... "Better to have Bridgestone than Kidneystone"

Offline brandonwsmith

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Re: low serial numbers
« Reply #5 on: August 27, 2019, 10:15:19 AM »
Hello,
I know is this an old thread but I would like to add my 100 to the list, serial number
22C000069.
Been told its a pre production number?
Thanks!

Offline srpackrat49

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Re: low serial numbers
« Reply #6 on: August 27, 2019, 01:06:09 PM »
well i have 1970 Taka with this #  00002

Offline Old BS Guy

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Re: low serial numbers
« Reply #7 on: August 27, 2019, 02:37:52 PM »
Brandon, unfortunately Graham Weeks was the curator of that list here, and he's passed away. You might want to contact Richard Clark to see if anyone has assumed that responsibility, but it also may have been Graham's property. Again, ask Richard. The last time I made an inquiry about it, it went unanswered.



Editors Note:  I Richard Clark have never received an inquiry about Grahams Weeks BS list.
« Last Edit: August 27, 2019, 04:57:41 PM by Richard Clark BS parts »
'65 BS Homer 50, '69 Mk II RS, '67 GTR, '70 GTO, '75 Taka 100, '69 Mk II SS.

Offline BRT-GTR

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Re: low serial numbers
« Reply #8 on: August 27, 2019, 03:20:24 PM »
        I am not aware that anyone was able to take responsibility for continuing Graham's list. Unfortunately, it died with him.
      I live too far away to have attempted to contact his estate and it seemed mercenary so soon after his passing. Alas, all his BS items have been scattered to the winds on Ebay. I would have liked his BS literature collection but have no idea what happened to this.                                                          Brian.
« Last Edit: August 28, 2019, 06:57:55 AM by BRT-GTR »
Unspoiled by progress.
I'm so glad I grew up in the 60s & 70s. I did so much stupid stuff and there's no record of it.............Anywhere !!

Offline Old BS Guy

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Re: low serial numbers
« Reply #9 on: August 27, 2019, 07:16:17 PM »
Thank you for your response Richard. It's unfortunate my inquiry didn't reach you. I deemed it important enough to pursue, and had openly commented previously about the uncertainty of the list's future, and it's ownership properties. I did then, and still have, a strong desire to see that list perpetuated and maintained. PM forthcoming.

Kind Regard,
Kerry Pagenkopf
'65 BS Homer 50, '69 Mk II RS, '67 GTR, '70 GTO, '75 Taka 100, '69 Mk II SS.

 


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