Page 1 of 1

Original Malvern Star dragster - what's it worth?

Posted: Sat Dec 06, 2014 12:02 am
by ryangus
I have an original yellow 3 speed Malvern Star dragster.

I bought this about 8 years ago, because my parents could never afford to buy me one as a kid . At that stage, it had never been ridden. The pedals had never been attached (they were still wrapped in a 1976 edition of a Sydney newspaper). It still has all original equipment, including white wall tyres. Nothing has been replaced.

Foolishly, I couldn't help myself, and rather than keeping it in mint condition, I was compelled to ride it. Which I did. Once. I realised instantly this is not a daily rider, both conceptually and practically.

Even more foolishly, I've let it gather some light surface rust on the rims and mud guards. I'd hope to think these are repairable or replaceable. Otherwise, it's in fantastic condition.

I now deciding whether to sell it, or donate it to a museum or something. Money talks, and if I get an offer I can't refuse, the museum misses out.

So, any idea what this beast would be worth?

Re: Original Malvern Star dragster - what's it worth?

Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2014 12:02 pm
by ryangus
No one?

Re: Original Malvern Star dragster - what's it worth?

Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2014 12:37 pm
by bychosis
Whack it on eBay to find out what it's worth. Depending on condition they sell between $100 for a complete but rough version to upwards of $500 for excellent condition.

What did you pay when you bought it? Add a little bit for inflation, take some off for wear and tear.

Re: Original Malvern Star dragster - what's it worth?

Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2015 2:33 am
by Malvernrats
Mine was immaculate - rebuilt , resprayed no decals . But amazing . Sold for $350

Re: Original Malvern Star dragster - what's it worth?

Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2015 2:34 am
by Malvernrats
Also depends if it's a long frame , and the original 'divot' frame made by Malvern Star , later models were sourced from China as the demand got higher .

Re: Original Malvern Star dragster - what's it worth?

Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2015 10:36 am
by ryangus
Malvernrats wrote:Also depends if it's a long frame , and the original 'divot' frame made by Malvern Star , later models were sourced from China as the demand got higher .
How do I work this out?

Re: Original Malvern Star dragster - what's it worth?

Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2015 11:53 am
by bychosis
This looks is a long frame
Image

Short frame, that will be mine when I can get it picked up.
Image

Long frame with a divot at the front of the thin tubes that run forward of the seat stays (don't know what they are called properly) I don't really know, but Google tells me so, so it must be true.
Image

Re: Original Malvern Star dragster - what's it worth?

Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2015 7:54 pm
by ryangus
Alas, no divots, but is does appear to be a long frame. Incidentally, it's in as original condition, apart from light surface rust on the chrome. Any idea on the best method to restore this?

All the paint and decals are as new.

Re: Original Malvern Star dragster - what's it worth?

Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2015 8:27 pm
by silentbutdeadly
Do nothing but make it ridable. Restoration is only for junkers. If it looks good and used then it should stay that way...

Re: Original Malvern Star dragster - what's it worth?

Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2015 8:44 pm
by bychosis
rideable AND shiny. Give it a clean and polish, regrease bearings as required, air in tyres. Def keep the original paint, parts and stickers.

Re: Original Malvern Star dragster - what's it worth?

Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2015 8:58 pm
by silentbutdeadly
I know where there's a shed with many crusty examples but I know not how many are actually MS...and even fewer would be my size. Must check one day though.

Re: Original Malvern Star dragster - what's it worth?

Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2016 2:10 pm
by Elvisidal
$40 each for a bare frame on gumtree somewhere around Maitland.

Re: Original Malvern Star dragster - what's it worth?

Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2016 3:52 pm
by bychosis
I've bought and sold a few. The latest was pretty rusty, but no holes in the frame, had no sissy bar or banana seat and a cheap modern set of wheels with completely worn out tyres for $50.

Re: Original Malvern Star dragster - what's it worth?

Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2016 8:39 pm
by Ferrovelo
ryangus wrote:Alas, no divots, but is does appear to be a long frame. Incidentally, it's in as original condition, apart from light surface rust on the chrome. Any idea on the best method to restore this?

All the paint and decals are as new.
Light surface rust is often quite easy to remove. Try polishing with Autosol first. There are other things to try after that, but there is no risk of creating any harm with Autosol and a cloth.

Re: Original Malvern Star dragster - what's it worth?

Posted: Thu Oct 20, 2016 4:15 pm
by misterhorsey
Gosh. I thought this was a joke but others have sold recently for around $500

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Vintage-Retr ... 3d23b225fd

I have a Family Star in good nick I am going to sell. They are going for around $50-100. Wish it was a Dragster!

Re: Original Malvern Star dragster - what's it worth?

Posted: Thu Oct 20, 2016 7:45 pm
by bychosis
Crikey, for that money I'd want the original plastic wrapping on it and not a mark on it. It's not complete or in flash condition either.