The Schwinn Panther II


1959 schwinn panther 2 1959-schwinn-panther-newest-schwinn

The Schwinn Panther II (panther 2) is a collectors dream if a collector can find one in it's original configuration. This bike is one of my favorites.

First Year made: 1959

Last Year made: 1960

Notable collector facts:

This bike has the much sought after dual lights and the rare "trimline tank" also known as a half tank.

1959


Trim, sleek and fast- with that “Schwinn Quality” look!

panther 2

1959 Schwinn Panther II

Superb new styling

Panther II newest Schwinn of them all!

Top style features: new Schwinn Trim-line tank with horn, Schwinn Cantilever fame, twin headlights, front and rear carriers, stainless steel fenders, whitewall tires, Schwinn monogram reflector, choice of 3-speed with caliper brakes,2-speed coaster brake or regular coaster brake.

1959_panther-2-specs

Panther II models for boys

Shpg. No. Size Description Wt. Lbs.

  • F15-3 26 inch 3-Speed (Schwinn-Approved) 58
  • F15-2 26 inch 2-Speed Coaster (Bendix) 58
  • F15-1 26 inch Coaster (Mark IV) 58

See page 30 for other hubs, optional equipment and how to order.

Colors: Radiant Red, Blue, Green, Black.

Descriptions from Schwinn catalogs:

Superb New Styling - Trim, sleek and fast - with that "Schwinn Quality" look! Top style features: new Schwinn Trim-line tank with horn, Schwinn Cantilever frame, twin headlights, front and rear carriers, stainless steel fenders, whitewall tires, Schwinn monogram reflector, choice of 3 speed and caliper brakes, 2 speed coaster brake or regular coaster brake.

Colors originally offered were Radiant Red, Blue, Green and Black

Accessories

Schwinn came up with a whole new set of accessories for this bicycle model.

Twin headlights

1959-schwinn-panther-2-twin-lights

These headlight often go for hundreds of dollars nowadays. They are one of the holy grails of Schwinn collecting. The lights look great and luckily for us Schwinn features them in there advertising and catalogs so we have nice images of them like the one to the right.

Rear Carrier with four reflectors

1959-schwinn-panther-2-rear-carrier

These lovely rear racks are a great item and added to the beauty of this bike. It is hard not to appreciate the style of this rack (referred to as "carrier" by Schwinn).

Schwinn monogram rear reflector

1959-schwinn-panther-2-rear-reflector

This reflector is commonly referred to as the "tear drop" reflector. It has since been recreated by Schwinn as an accessory for some of the vintage remakes Schwinn made in the 1990's, but even these "new" parts are scarce again as Schwinn no longer is making them.

Two-Tone Monogram Saddle

1959-schwinn-panther-ii-2-seat

The seat that has an "S" on it. While these are now familiar and one of the more recognizable icons of Schwinn, in 1959 they were brand new.

Deluxe Chainguard with Chrome

1959-schwinn-panther-2-chain-guard

The new design of the old chainguard is one of the distinctive features of the Schwinn Panther II. These larger and more sturdy (not to mention more shiny!) chain guards set the standard in many ways for how Schwinn deluxe bicycles would later be labeled.

1959-schwinn-panther-2-ii-detail

Specs:

1959-schwinn-panther-2-specs

See the full 1959 Schwinn catalog.

1960


Twin Headlights. Two carriers. Trimline tank, horn.

1960-schwinn-panther-2

1960 Schwinn Panther II

New Schwinn styling. Deluxe equipment. 2 Tone saddle, whitewall tires, chrome fenders. Radiant red, blue, green, black.

  • 26" 2 or 3 speed .....$79.95
  • 26" coaster brake ...$69.95

1959_panther2

See the full 1960 Schwinn catalog.


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