I picked up a Robin Hood bike from the trash, a 67 model, and the black paint came back very nicely after a scrubbing with soap and water, followed by three coats of wax. Most of the English lightweights are/were black. If it's a different color, that's even better because it's rarer. I would ageree with others that the original paint may be the way to go.You may be able to find the manufacture date of the bike on the rear hub, 3 speed? The year will be in 2 small digits on the hub shell, the month may be there also. Probably a Sturmey Archer hub. Does the Hercules badge on the headtube say Nottingham or Birmingham? Pics would be a big help also.