SCHWINN 1955 "Deluxe Hornet" Spitfire 2-speed red band straight bar original For Sale

This bike is in very nice correct original condition.. She has been stored in a dry climate controlled space for for the last 25 years I have owned her. Rear double knurled rim is from a "Schwinn Heavy Duti" and is not stamped. Rear rack has the light, front Delta Racket Ray and bell are color matched, springer is in very nice condition and the bendix red band works well.This bike was a pleasure to own and ride.greenwallvintagebicyclesAI says: The valuation of a Schwinn Deluxe Hornet usually lands between $200 and $1,200+, running slightly lower than the higher-tier Panther or Phantom models but still strongly desired by balloon-tire and middleweight bicycle collectors.Introduced in the early 1950s as a popular, feature-packed model, its exact value depends heavily on its era (1950s balloon-tire vs. late 1950s/1961 middleweight) and condition:

• Fair / Rough Condition ($150 – $350): If it is missing its standout accessories like the rocket-style horn tank, rear rack, or specialized chain guard. At this level, a rusted or incomplete frame is often parted out because components like original Schwinn S2 chrome rims or a straightbar frame alone can fetch $150 to $250 to collectors restoring other projects.
• Good / Original Patina ($450 – $750): A complete "survivor" or barn-find bicycle that is entirely original—retaining its factory paint, decals, original tank, and working parts. Complete, original models in two-tone color schemes (like the popular blue/white or black/cream combinations) easily command this range.
• Excellent / Professionally Restored ($800 – $1,500): A beautifully restored Deluxe Hornet with pristine chrome, period-correct professional paint, a functional horn, and working dual headlights. Some top-tier collector examples with high-value add-ons like a functional Schwinn springer front fork have commanded upwards of $1,200+.

Key Value Drivers for the Deluxe Hornet

• The "Springer" Fork: Some Deluxe Hornets came equipped with Schwinn's iconic knee-action springer front fork. Having a straight, functional original springer fork instantly adds about $100 to $150 to the bike's standalone value.
  
• The Horn Tank & Decals: An original straightbar horn tank in solid condition without heavy rust rot inside the battery compartment is one of the most heavily sought-after pieces of this model, often selling for $200+ by itself on .