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Lot Essay
The unique design of the Raleigh Chopper was based on the look of a customised chopper motorcycle, made popular with films such as Easy Rider and became a cultural icon in the 1970s.
The present lot is a rare 'Girlie' Chopper, a model which was made in comparatively small numbers in comparison to the boys version. The Mark One design has straight rear forks and a slightly longer seat. The later Mark Two had bent rear forks and a shortened seat. Another defining feature of the 'Girlie' was the white seat and the whitewall 'slick' tyre (the boys version has the very recognisable knobbly rear tyre).
The present lot is a rare 'Girlie' Chopper, a model which was made in comparatively small numbers in comparison to the boys version. The Mark One design has straight rear forks and a slightly longer seat. The later Mark Two had bent rear forks and a shortened seat. Another defining feature of the 'Girlie' was the white seat and the whitewall 'slick' tyre (the boys version has the very recognisable knobbly rear tyre).