Hi folks, new here. I'd like to do a Schwinn project some time in the future and I'm partial to the cantilever design. As I troll my local Craigslist I see a variety of what seems (to me) to be the same bike with different names. So I reviewed some vintage catalogs to see what makes them differ; I come away scratching my head.
As an example: in 1961 Schwinn offered the cantilever frame as: the Panther III, Mark IV Jaguar, Streamliner, Hornet, Speedster, Corvette, Tiger, and Wasp (albeit, the Wasp is described as a Heavy Duty build). Each model differs in one or two accessory details. That's it? A change in headlights and chrome vs. stainless fenders makes a Panther a Jaguar? And both of those are just dressed up Speedsters? (Or Spitfires, I can't distinguish between those two either.)
I'm very familiar with the auto industry, particularly of the mid- to late- 20th century, and the badge engineering that marketing departments dreamed up. Clearly Schwinn was of that world and that era. I'm just interested to know if there are any real hardware distinctions.
Right now my CL saved list includes a '64 American, '62 American, "Vintage" Typhoon, "60s" Corvette, '61 Panther III. Some have racks, some don't, and they all seem to be coaster brakes. None of them are fully equipped as original. I don't plan on doing any restoration, only a cleanup and reburbishment (bearings, etc.). So, can I ignore the model names any focus simply on condition and "bang for the buck"?
As an example: in 1961 Schwinn offered the cantilever frame as: the Panther III, Mark IV Jaguar, Streamliner, Hornet, Speedster, Corvette, Tiger, and Wasp (albeit, the Wasp is described as a Heavy Duty build). Each model differs in one or two accessory details. That's it? A change in headlights and chrome vs. stainless fenders makes a Panther a Jaguar? And both of those are just dressed up Speedsters? (Or Spitfires, I can't distinguish between those two either.)
I'm very familiar with the auto industry, particularly of the mid- to late- 20th century, and the badge engineering that marketing departments dreamed up. Clearly Schwinn was of that world and that era. I'm just interested to know if there are any real hardware distinctions.
Right now my CL saved list includes a '64 American, '62 American, "Vintage" Typhoon, "60s" Corvette, '61 Panther III. Some have racks, some don't, and they all seem to be coaster brakes. None of them are fully equipped as original. I don't plan on doing any restoration, only a cleanup and reburbishment (bearings, etc.). So, can I ignore the model names any focus simply on condition and "bang for the buck"?