Swinn bicycle 1955 Black Phantom

[Marine Electric]

This belong to anyone here? I've tried to contact the seller via eBay a few times to get additional pics and info but got no response. If it's the real deal, I'm interested -- and I'm local. But something seems screwy here....I just don't know what it is?


Swinn(sic) bicycle 1955 Black Phantom
http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-5...0001&campid=5335809022&icep_item=323284015961

 

[Freqman1]

I see a whole lotta repo stuff going on there.

 

[Jeff54]

It's a 1995

 

[Marine Electric]

It's a 1995

I have no expertise here -- what tips you off so easily?

 

[phantom]

The seller is a 0 feedback.......One picture ? says it's a 55 restored to original condition. I blew up the pic as far as I could and it looks like a centennial brake arm. The stem on the repros is usually up high like that one. Rubber grips. I'm like 99% in the repro camp.

 

[oskisan]

I have seen the 1995 reissue black phantom sell for more money the an original real deal phantom. I am not sure why, but it has happened on several occasions.

 

[phantom]

I have seen the 1995 reissue black phantom sell for more money the an original real deal phantom. I am not sure why, but it has happened on several occasions.

A lot of boomers want to ride a shiney Phantom. They don't want the expense of a restoration or not even sure how to go about one. They don't mind spending up to $1,500 for a repro vs buying an original for $700 + that really needs everything redone. Whether it's a 55 or 95 could mean nothing to them. Frankly to the non purist the only difference I see in them is a 36 year span. Why do you think so many get parted out? Sure, you can have an original 49-59 frame and load it with repro parts. A little hypocritical to me but I don't begrudge anyone on how they want to spend their money.

 

[oskisan]

I thought the reissue phantoms were bringing in around $2k... I could be wrong about that number though as I havent bought another phantom in over 25 years, especially after they repopped them and a lot of us guys lost a lot of money on orig phantom and krate parts.

 

[Jeff54]

I have no expertise here -- what tips you off so easily?

Old style fork pre-55 is used in 95 repo and all the chromed parts appear repo quality. Yet every thing's new is the 1st clue.
The cincher on a 95 black phantom is; the frame is embossed. The bottom bracket, under bike, serial numbers and embossed 1895-1995.

BTW,

<<<<< That's a 55

..

 

[Marine Electric]

Old style fork pre-55 is used in 95 repo and all the chromed parts appear repo quality. Yet every thing's new is the 1st clue.
The cincher on a 95 black phantom is; the frame is embossed. The bottom bracket, under bike, serial numbers and embossed 1895-1995.

BTW,

<<<<< That's a 55

..

Thanks for sharing your expertise. Here's another one I'm looking at - what say you about this one?