TexasVoodoo
On Training Wheels
Hello CABE community,
I’m new to the forum and wanted to introduce myself. I am Mark and currently live in Montgomery County, Maryland. I am looking to sell a 1971 Schwinn Krate Grey Ghost, but before doing so, I wanted to share it here to get some honest feedback, valuation advice, and expertise from the community. I have done online research and understand the uniqueness to this bike and the provenance (below) and the appeal that it will bring to the right collectors. I also have a 1971 Cotton Picker that I'll ask for feedback in a separate post. My dad bought the Grey Ghost and Cotton Picker for my brother (deceased) and me. My dad purchased these bikes new in 1971 and they have never been resold.
About the Bike:
Purchase: My dad originally purchased this 1971 Schwinn Krate Grey Ghost in May of 1971 from Gregory's Fix-It Shop in Reidsville, NC.
Condition: 100% unrestored condition. All parts are original; nothing has been replaced. I have intentionally not cleaned or wiped off any of the dust/patina, leaving cleaning, conservation, or detailing decisions to the next owner/expert. I have not tried to remove any rust or even reattach the chain or brake cable.
Provenance: Includes the original 1971 bill of sale receipt (showing the serial number and purchase price of $130.22 total) made out to my dad, along with the original Schwinn Owner’s Manual.
Serial Number: MF64735 (Stamped on the head tube, and matched on the receipt)
Scale Model: Includes a boxed, die-cast scale model replica of the Grey Ghost, complete with original box and styrofoam inserts.
Photos: You can see the overall condition of the bike; and a few pictures of the scale model.
I am also interested to hear what that community says about making the bike more presentable before listing - like reattaching the chain, brake cables, gentle cleaning, inflating tires, etc. I can provide additional photos if desired.
Thanks, Mark
I’m new to the forum and wanted to introduce myself. I am Mark and currently live in Montgomery County, Maryland. I am looking to sell a 1971 Schwinn Krate Grey Ghost, but before doing so, I wanted to share it here to get some honest feedback, valuation advice, and expertise from the community. I have done online research and understand the uniqueness to this bike and the provenance (below) and the appeal that it will bring to the right collectors. I also have a 1971 Cotton Picker that I'll ask for feedback in a separate post. My dad bought the Grey Ghost and Cotton Picker for my brother (deceased) and me. My dad purchased these bikes new in 1971 and they have never been resold.
About the Bike:
Purchase: My dad originally purchased this 1971 Schwinn Krate Grey Ghost in May of 1971 from Gregory's Fix-It Shop in Reidsville, NC.
Condition: 100% unrestored condition. All parts are original; nothing has been replaced. I have intentionally not cleaned or wiped off any of the dust/patina, leaving cleaning, conservation, or detailing decisions to the next owner/expert. I have not tried to remove any rust or even reattach the chain or brake cable.
Provenance: Includes the original 1971 bill of sale receipt (showing the serial number and purchase price of $130.22 total) made out to my dad, along with the original Schwinn Owner’s Manual.
Serial Number: MF64735 (Stamped on the head tube, and matched on the receipt)
Scale Model: Includes a boxed, die-cast scale model replica of the Grey Ghost, complete with original box and styrofoam inserts.
Photos: You can see the overall condition of the bike; and a few pictures of the scale model.
I am also interested to hear what that community says about making the bike more presentable before listing - like reattaching the chain, brake cables, gentle cleaning, inflating tires, etc. I can provide additional photos if desired.
Thanks, Mark
