My Newest Purchase...1954 Starlet...

[HARPO]

I picked this one up pretty local...15 minutes from my house last night.

I went to actually look at a few other bikes the guy had advertised, but when I got there I wasn't really interested in any of them. Kept telling myself to wait and see what else he had. Well, hidden behind a tall sleigh and a box I saw this peeking out. He told me it was for sale, that someone else had seen it but didn't want to pay the $275 he was asking for it because "it wasn't worth it". He told the guy that he had years ago paid $225 for it, and he could have it for that. Still "it wasn't worth it" came out of the guys mouth. So, when he offered it to me for $225, I had to say yes, of course...

And the Serial number...M16133.. dates it to August of 1954.

Anyway, enjoy the photos I took early this morning. I'm just wondering how bad the rot will be on the headlight, and who knows what condition the horn is in.

 

[HARPO]

...and a few more...

 

[HARPO]

Page from the small 1954 Brochure...

 

[GTs58]

For some reason it doesn't seem there were many step thru's painted red back in the day. I very seldom see them in any shade of red. Nice piece and it's a shame the light has been nearly destroyed.

 

[Rivnut]

Anything not original? Patience pays off.

 

[HARPO]

@GTs58 @Rivnut The color, according to Schwinn, is called Holiday Rose. Even after a quick wipe down a little while ago it looks good. Should polish up nicely (I hope).

From what I can see, it's all original, right down to the tires. Looks like the Wald basket had been on for some time, which means I'll probably find batteries in the light, and I'm sure in the tank.

 

[GTs58]

@GTs58 @Rivnut The color, according to Schwinn, is called Holiday Rose. Even after a quick wipe down a little while ago it looks good. Should polish up nicely (I hope).

From what I can see, it's all original, right down to the tires. Looks like the Wald basket had been on for some time, which means I'll probably find batteries in the light, and I'm sure in the tank.

The paint looks like a variation of the Opalescent Red, which is not listed on the catalog page for this model. Holiday Rose is the Pink.

 

[HARPO]

@GTs58 Weird color then. I've never seen it before on any Schwinn bike.

 

[HARPO]

Hmmm...I'm starting to see why then other guy didn't want it for even $225.

I broke one of my Cardinal Rules. Never go look at a bike at night.

Acid apparently dripped onto the frame, yet the tank looks pretty solid. The headlight, on the other hand, is one of the worst I've had or even seen. I'm sure the guy had no idea anything was like this, so it's not his fault. I just need to pay more attention...In The Daylight!

 

[1motime]

I would be more concerned about the fender than the light. Not a bad bike but it has needs. You seem to like a challenge!