Case study: The £1,000 Chopper Raleigh

Wheelie good: Colin Macdonald and his 1973 Chopper

The Raleigh Chopper remains a collectible Seventies icon. Famed for its 'glam rock' appeal, it has Harley- Davidson-style handlebars, a central gear stick and a long padded seat ideal for dangerous 'backies' - carrying a friend behind you.

Original Choppers sell for £300, but examples renovated 'as new' may command up to £1,000. Some special editions fetch double this amount. Prices of the original have risen steadily in recent years and received a boost with the launch in 2004 of the less valuable Chopper Mark III.

The Mark I was made between 1970 and 1971 and replaced by Mark II after a design fault in the seat was discovered. This later nearidentical model was made until 1980.

Colin Macdonald, who owns Macdonald Cycles in Edinburgh, says: 'The bikes have survived the years well and are now recognised as design classics. But even well looked-after examples lose chrome - with mudguards particularly susceptible to rust. However, professionally renovated Choppers hold their value.'

Colin says that rare special editions - such as a 1977 Silver Jubilee Chopper that originally sold for £72 - can sell for £2,000. A 1973 traditional red Chopper in tip-top condition can sell for £900.