I recently purchased this 24" 1978 / '79 Schwinn SPITFIRE, original Flamboyant Red paint.
Serial Number LPxxxxxx Nov. 1978 Stamped, Badge # 1779, June 26, 1979
I purchased it from John Trexler, owner of Anchor Bay Bicycle & Fitness, New Baltimore, Mi.
From new, John built this bicycle when he worked at Jake's Bicycle Shop in Harper Woods, Mi.
The rear wheel was custom built using a Campagnolo Record High-Flange Rear hub and adding a Suntour two-speed 18T Low / 23T High Gear Cog, combining it with a Suntour V short cage derailleur. The crank is an aluminum Stronglight 3-piece set and a 51T sprocket. The left brake lever controls the two-speed shifting and the right lever controls the rear brake. Awesome combination with quick takeoff and super top-end speed.
I had aspirations of bringing this bicycle back to it's original "coaster brake" condition, but after riding and enjoying, it would not be the proper thing to due after being this way for 43 years.
Rode this bicycle about 10 miles today and it rolls like a dream, flawless.
True Keeper in my Collection.