Info about my Shelby model 51.

[NBHAA]

Photo credit @dogdart This looks to be the same model as yours. If someone has one of these that could provide the length of the stand it should put you on the right track.

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Another dose of what my haters call "drivel" and "pontification"...

Of course National Bicycle History Archive of America has both the original bicycles and original Shelby factory literature about them. We don't need to guess or make up stories on this bicycle or the history.
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The Shelby pictured above (in posting #10) has quite obviously been modified as follows:
• Stem is neither original to this bicycle nor to the model.
• Handlebars should be short steerhorn, handlebars shown have been changed.
• Headlight "Shelby" pressing was not originally outlined in red.
• Graphic decal on the tank should be positioned horizontally, not at an angle.
• Troxel saddle should be tan but appears to be recovered red.
• "Cokebottle" red grips should be black vinyl "Flexgrips".
• Magna streamlined pedals should be Wald blocktreads.
• Delta Triplelite tail light is accurate, but should have chrome body instead of white painted.
• There were no reflectors on rear fender since reflector was already in Delta tail light.
• Persons "crashbars," saddlebags, handlebar bell and axle caps are all added aftermarket pieces.
• Finally, the kickstands on both our girls' AND boys' model of this bicycle are different from this one.
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We have both male and female versions of this bicycle. Girls' models were usually 2-tone blue. Can't reach our Shelby boys' 1953 Model 52 "Airflo" at the moment, but here is a snippet photo we have in the files taken years ago (sorry these other old things got in the way... and yes, those ARE original tires for the Western Flyer).

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Apologize for the slight error in the photo text... intended to write "AIRFLO" (no "W") instead of "AIRFLOW"...

Also in Shelby lit photo... meant to say ..."packed with 8 x 10..." and not "packard with 8 x 10...".
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By the way 1.) ...You very definitely do NOT have a Shelby SSF 42. MANY, MANY differences from what you have.

By the way 2.) ... can you see the difference between 1953 and 1954 Shelby personalized license plates? And that envelope we show you is an original mailer for the 1955 plate!

Leon Dixon
National Bicycle History Archive of America
(NBHAA.com)