Original 1966 Schwinn Stingray 20\" 3 speed Coppertone Banana Seat Muscle Bike For Sale

I\'m selling my Schwinn Stingray bike with the 3-speed rear hub. With an MB16XXX serial number, it was manufactured by Schwinn in Chicago in December of 1966. This bike is in all original condition and is unrestored. It is rare to find a 3-speed Stik Shift Stingray from 1966, especially in the coppertone color.
The coppertone paint is factory original and in overall good shape. The paint does have some wear, minor scratches, and road rash, but there are no touchups and none of the typical chain rash on the lower frame bar and it still has a decent shine. It has the original Schwinn metallic coppertone chubby PVC handle bar grips, the original rear sissy bar, the original rear reflector, and even the original 7 dot brake pads in the rear.
The seat has the original Persons deep tufted banana seat with the Stingray tag and the reflector tab. The seat cover does have a few minor tears or cuts at the front but it definitely usable otherwise. The vinyl is still soft and pliable and has a nice overall matching patina to the bike. this is a very hard seat to find.
The chrome is also in very good shape and is shiny. Both rims have very nice chrome and roll very smoothly. The front and rear rims are the correct Schwinn factory rims. The rear rim is center stamped \"SCHWINN TUBULAR S-2\" and has the correct double knurling. The front is side stamped \"SCHWINN TUBULAR S-7\". The rims are in very good shape with no curb dings and minimal brake burn and rust. Both rims are very true and round.
Mechanically, the bike pedals, shifts, and stops. The Stik Shift shifts well into all 3 gears. The brakes work fine, but the pads are hard so should be replaced. The bike has a NOS Sturmey Archer shift indicator rod with spring and chain in the rear hub.
The rear tire is the older and higher quality 20\" x 2.125\" Slik made under license for Schwinn in Taiwan in the 1990\'s. This tire is in great shape, with almost no wear or signs of aging. You can still see the parting line clearly and the rubber is still soft and pliable, and has the mold release agent still on it in spots. The front tire is modern reproduction 20\" x 1-3/4\" brickwall tire. The front tire is virtually new and has great tread. Both tubes hold air great.
There is overall wear and patina, but there is no evidence of frame damage or major repairs beyond maintenance having been done to this bike. The bike is in very nice shape overall and perfect for a collector or someone who appreciates the older Schwinn muscle bikes. These bikes are very collectible and will always hold their value. These were some of the highest quality bikes ever made in large production quantities, and they last forever.
See pictures for details. I can fit the bike into a 54\" long x 28\" high x 8\" wide bicycle box for shipping via UPS Ground service. The boxed bike weights about 55 lbs. I will need to remove the handlebars and front wheel, and lower the seat to fit the bike in the box. Bike is also available for pickup in Wilmette, IL which is 15 miles north of downtown Chicago. Local pickup is definitely preferred!