Most folks are aware that the Phantom was made from 1949 to 1959. There is some debate on the ’49 start date but that is for another blog. Besides the boys 26″ bikes Schwinn also made the boys bikes in 24″ for 1953 and 1954 only. The girls Phantoms were only made for one year–1955 as Model B69.

Like the boys bikes the girls could be had in black, red, or green. Additionally the girls bike could be ordered in blue as well. Although never offered in the catalog there is at least one bonafide example of a boys blue bike. 

Beginning in 1954 Schwinn changed the colors on the red and green Phantoms to “opalescent” from the solid colors used in previous years. The also started reducing the options on the bikes. A lot of the options previously standard were now extra cost options. Things such as the deluxe reflector, tailight, and cyclelock all cost extra and from the girls bikes I’ve seen most did not receive these options. Like the boys bikes these are good riding bikes provided they are serviced properly. 

Like the boys bikes I would caution against buying restored girls Phantoms. If you are thinking about a restored bike and care about authenticity then make sure the bike has a 1955 serial number. I have seen quite a few of these done with other year frames. Also be leery of reproduction parts. Most restorations are done with a locking fork so they can use reproduction fenders. The non locker for 1955 takes a different fender than the locking fork and is not reproduced. Even though they are more scarce than the boys bikes nice, original bikes can be found for what people ask for a restored bike that may not have even been a Phantom to begin with. 

Enjoy the ride!