While on vacation in Florida, I came across this 57 Deluxe Hornet sitting in a bike shop in Port Charlotte. The bike was on consignment from the owner so I made an offer and was able to pick this beauty up for $350. The bike shop stated that it was a one owner and gave me the phone number and name of the owner. After the purchase, I called the owner up to thank him for accepting the offer. He stated that he was now 74 years old and that he had purchased the bike new when he was 14 in Perth Amboy New Jersey at a shop called Gardella's bike shop. He stated that the only thing changed on the bike were the tires, tubes and handgrips. The rear reflector does not seem original however. The horn has the tank button but the actual horn is missing. As well, the Rocket Ray needs some work. Other than that, the bike is original. The previous owner stated that he could tell me about every scratch that is on that bike. I asked about the bent rack on the rear fender. He stated that he had met his wife while they were in grade 7 and that she used to ride on the back (You gotta love a story like that). I questioned the rims. They have no rust and look new. He stated that those are indeed the original rims.
I have taken the bike out a couple of times and it rides beautifully. I don't expect to do much in restoring it. I have ordered a set of decals and will likely buy the replacement horn. Besides that, only a good cleaning and greasing is required. I am very happy with this bike.
I have taken the bike out a couple of times and it rides beautifully. I don't expect to do much in restoring it. I have ordered a set of decals and will likely buy the replacement horn. Besides that, only a good cleaning and greasing is required. I am very happy with this bike.
