Originally Posted by
nlerner
I’ve seen a Grand Sports. And a Gran Sport. And a Grand Sport. And a Gran Sports. And I think @
gugie has at least one of each.
You forgot my
Grander Sportier. To the OP, I've modified several of these, they're good enough to spend some time and money on.
Least expensive all Reynolds 531 double butted tubing set frame in the early 70's Raleigh lineup, a bit shoddy craftsmanship on brazing, but that's hidden by the chrome socks and wonderful cream/lagoon blue paint job. They're a great rider.
The original equipment was kinda crap, the trick BITD was to upgrade to SunTour derailleurs. Modern derailleurs work even better. Having one of these in all original parts means you haven't upgraded it yet.
For $150, $50-60 on some Pasela 27" tires on it and you've got a great rider at a very good price. I
think the one you show in the picture has an integrated derailleur hanger instead of a bolt on claw, which is a definite step up.
To this day I haven't read of an explanation for the various spellings, when I post here about them I just call them Gran(d) Sport(s), covers all the bases.
edit: Of course it's a 1973. They're all 1973's, far as I can tell. I think they made so many of them the same bikes were sold for a couple more years. A buddy of mine bought his in 1975 brand new, serial number shows it was built in '73.