The Shelby Cycle Company is well known for creating some of the most desirable collector bicycles. Shelby’s main retail customers were the large chain stores such as Montgomery Ward, Spiegel, Gambles stores, Firestone and Goodyear.
From 1949 to 1951 Shelby entered the Disney marketplace with the release of their Donald Duck bicycles, which were painted yellow and blue and featured a three-dimensional Donald Duck head on the front of the frame. These unique bikes came in girls' and boys' frames and in numerous sizes. Fun features included the light up eyes in Donald's head and the novelty horn, which made a quacking sound. Other features include an adjustable Troxel Spring Seat, replica gas tank, chrome wheels and chrome handlebar with matching blue grips.
Because of its limited production, it is very hard to find a one of these items in good condition. Most of the Donald Duck Bicycles you find at auction have been restored by vendors that specialize in Shelby restoration. Restored versions of the Shelby Donald Duck bikes sell in the range of $5000, and an original item in near fine condition commands close to $10000.
Even if you can’t afford to invest in a dynamic piece such as this, there other some related collectibles to the Donald Duck bicycle line. During their production period, American Bicyclist and Motorcyclist Magazine featured two types of advertisements for the product. Original copies of these magazines in fine condition can be had for $30 to $50.
14 responses so far ↓
1 Jimmy Anderson // May 8, 2008 at 12:32 am
I have a girl’s bike. It has more blue than yellow.
2 Rose Elliott // Mar 17, 2009 at 6:37 pm
I have a girls bike that is need of a little tlc to almost perfect. how would I find someone interested in purchasing
3 Fransheska Leon // May 21, 2009 at 5:28 am
hello i want a donald duck bicycle right now=)
4 Fransheska Leon // May 21, 2009 at 5:30 am
ii <3 my man bink fooorrrrr life and i like the donald duck bicycle!!!! its so freegin cooolll!!!!!
5 rack // Dec 31, 2009 at 7:26 pm
i have a 24 inch boys donald duck bike for sale…i’m not sure how “real” it is.have there been copies made?s.n. 10-51 7592,shelco{is that the same as shelby cycle co?
6 Doris Raskin // Jan 10, 2010 at 1:56 pm
Please ask rack to contact me.
7 rack // Feb 9, 2010 at 2:25 pm
doris,do you have information about my ‘duck’?my e- mail is rack007@cox.net.thanks
8 Juan // Feb 11, 2010 at 1:10 am
I’m intersted in buying Shelby Donald Duck bikes, as I restore them.
9 Juan // Feb 11, 2010 at 1:12 am
deleonstudio71@yahoo.com
I restore vintage bicyles. I do buy Donald Duck bikes.
Juan
10 Howard // Feb 20, 2010 at 6:28 pm
I have a 20inch Donald Duck 1949-1950? bike is intact and can be ridden. If interested please contact.
11 Sterling motors // May 11, 2010 at 12:20 pm
I just listed a Donald Duck bicycle on ebay. Offers welcome! http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300426769914
12 Sterling motors // May 11, 2010 at 12:20 pm
My email is tif@hotrodschoppers.com
13 sterling motors // May 18, 2010 at 3:22 pm
I just relisted this bike on ebay at $2,999!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280509089832
14 sterling motors // May 18, 2010 at 3:23 pm
offers still welcome!
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