5 minute read
SpokesPeople (2023/issue2)
The Bike Whisperer
CLINT BROWN • COLLECTOR • NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
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Ask any collector what they consider to be the holy grail of vintage cruisers, and I can assure you the list will include a Monark, Schwinn Phantom, a J.C. Higgins, or an Elgin, to name a few. These are the bikes that set bike forums and cruiser groups ablaze whenever they’re showcased. And needless to say, they can also cost a little fortune if they were to go up for sale on eBay, bike auctions or on Facebook Marketplace.
Clint is someone whom I’d consider an avid collector. In his years of cruiser collecting, he has amassed a neat fleet of rare bikes in his stash. I came across a bike he was selling on FB Marketplace, and reached out to him. As we chatted about the bikes we each owned, I told myself I needed to meet this guy! Especially since he was going to be a short 10-min drive from where I was staying for my work trip in Nashville.
We met at his home, set in a serene and idyllic neighbourhood surrounded by lush greenery and manicured lawns. Te Singaporean in me couldn’t help but envy the spaciousness and possibilities with having a garage that could easily accommodate an endless collection of bikes.
Clint greeted me warmly and welcomed me into his secret lair, aka mancave garage. Like old friends who didn’t need much introduction, we exchanged greetings and quickly adjourned to the centre of our focus – his prized collections.
I could already sense my heartbeat palpitating and my adrenalin rushing through my bloodstream as I spotted his neatly-arranged bikes from the corner of my eye. I felt like a kid in a candy store with the thrill of a sugar rush. I reminded myself I shouldn’t act like a ‘sua koo’ Singaporean (a Singaporean term to describe someone who who hasn’t been out of their zone – like a mountain tortoise).
Clint is what you’d call a metalsmith. He owns a custom metal fabrication business, and it shows from the tools of his trade and vintage collections, which includes vintage cars, motor scooters, classic boats and old tin cars. The first prominent OFD (object of desire) in his garage was an old British Triumph classic car from the 60’s. Being an old soul who loves anything vintage with wheels, it also brought out a squeal of delight in me.
British Triumph classic car from the 60’s
SpokesPeople met with him and was given a visual treat of his sweet collection.
1949 20” Shelby Donald Duck
SP: When did you start collecting vintage bikes? How did it come about?
Clint: I've always had an appreciation for vintage bicycles, but got heavily involved in collecting them in 2009. I had the opportunity to buy a Swing Bike like one a childhood friend had. However, when that didn’t materialise, I decided to build my frst custom Swing Bike, which eventually evolved into building Rat Rod style custom bicycles. I also developed an appreciation for original unrestored vintage bikes.
SP: Which is the crown jewel of your collection? How did you come to own it?
Clint: The crown jewel is defnitely the 1936 Elgin Bluebird! It was advertised on Facebook Marketplace by a gentleman who lived about 1.5 hours away. His ad simply said ‘Antique Bicycle’ and had very poor pictures. The first thing I noticed was the incorrect Shelby Airflow front fender and made me study the pictures in-depth. When I finally figured it out, I couldn't believe that I was actually looking at a Bluebird.
I was fortunate enough to see the ad just 11 minutes after he posted it and was lucky enough to be the frst caller. He was an extremely nice gentleman who agreed to immediately remove his ad and let me meet him on the Saturday afternoon before Easter Sunday – ‘because he didn't want to do business on Easter.’
SP: Any plans on your hobby in the future? What’s next in your collection? Any dream bike you’d love to get your hands on?
Clint: I've never really had a plan for my hobby. Part of what I enjoy the most is finding unique things that spark my interest without searching for anything specific. I’ve found that the randomness of running across something special is far more enjoyable than diligently looking for something that I might never find!
With an Elgin Bluebird in my collection and having previously owned a couple of Shelby Airfows, I really don’t have a special bike that I think could top those that I've already been blessed with.
1938 CWC Wards Hawthorne
