| Huffy High Rise History 1962-1972 |
The Peter Mole Huffy Penguin had been such a
success in 1963 that Huffy went on to make the
Huffy Dragster in 1964 without Mr. Mole.
Although Peter Mole is the real Father of the
Stingray Design others continue to take credit
even today. If you would like to read about the
early days of High Rise please check out these
pages below!
success in 1963 that Huffy went on to make the
Huffy Dragster in 1964 without Mr. Mole.
Although Peter Mole is the real Father of the
Stingray Design others continue to take credit
even today. If you would like to read about the
early days of High Rise please check out these
pages below!
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The Huffy Penguin was released
in March of 1963 and was the first
Production High Rise muscle
Bike.
in March of 1963 and was the first
Production High Rise muscle
Bike.
They called the bike the
Penguin due to its Black and
White paint scheme. The bike
later became known as the
Dragster in 1964!
Penguin due to its Black and
White paint scheme. The bike
later became known as the
Dragster in 1964!
Click Pictures to enlarge them!
In 1964 Huffy released an Ad for their New
3 speed Dragster in 1964 issue of Life
Magazine claiming they were first to make
a FACTORY BUILT High Rise Muscle
Bike. (*see reference below)
3 speed Dragster in 1964 issue of Life
Magazine claiming they were first to make
a FACTORY BUILT High Rise Muscle
Bike. (*see reference below)
In early 1962 Peter Mole made contact with Huffy Azusa Ca. about putting together a new kind of bicycle.
High Rise Type bicycles were being built by kids in California & where the latest Kustom Kraze! Kid's
were adding banana(polo) seats & tall handle bars to 20" children's frames to trick them out & Pete Mole
knew they would be a hit if he could get factory backing! It took nearly a year to get the program going
because Huffy was skeptical about the bike style. They eventually agree that Peter Mole would buy all left
over parts if the bike was a flop. So after the deal was finalized they were selling Huffy High Rise by
March 1963. This makes the Huffy Penguin the first Factory Produced High Rise Bicycles.
High Rise Type bicycles were being built by kids in California & where the latest Kustom Kraze! Kid's
were adding banana(polo) seats & tall handle bars to 20" children's frames to trick them out & Pete Mole
knew they would be a hit if he could get factory backing! It took nearly a year to get the program going
because Huffy was skeptical about the bike style. They eventually agree that Peter Mole would buy all left
over parts if the bike was a flop. So after the deal was finalized they were selling Huffy High Rise by
March 1963. This makes the Huffy Penguin the first Factory Produced High Rise Bicycles.
Reference Picture: "The Bicycle Journal" March 1963
In 1966 Huffy introduced their new frame design... "The Rail" This new frame had a twin
top tube design, and was over 4" longer than all other 20" models being sold. The first
year model came with their new T Bar shifter design with no console, just decals on the
frame. Huffy was really aiming for the Drag Racing marketing that kids loved in those
days.
top tube design, and was over 4" longer than all other 20" models being sold. The first
year model came with their new T Bar shifter design with no console, just decals on the
frame. Huffy was really aiming for the Drag Racing marketing that kids loved in those
days.
In 1967 Huffy expanded their line up with a Copper Tone 3 speed Rail and a new Blue Coaster
Brake model. Both bikes were 20" and used the extra long Rail frames. Huffy turned up the heat
with the advertising with Drag Racing over tones and visuals! The 5 speeds were a carry over
from 1966 but now with a new Chrome console shifter added mid year. The 3 speed had a bolt on
click stick without console also. However many changes were in the works at Huffy to make 1968
even brighter!
Brake model. Both bikes were 20" and used the extra long Rail frames. Huffy turned up the heat
with the advertising with Drag Racing over tones and visuals! The 5 speeds were a carry over
from 1966 but now with a new Chrome console shifter added mid year. The 3 speed had a bolt on
click stick without console also. However many changes were in the works at Huffy to make 1968
even brighter!
| 1963 |
| 1964 |
| 1965 |
| 1966 |
| 1967 |
Huffy offered their bikes to small Mom and Pop stores, &
major chain stores. Above is a Sears badged version.
This was one of their most popular models along side the
Murray made Sears Screamer.
major chain stores. Above is a Sears badged version.
This was one of their most popular models along side the
Murray made Sears Screamer.
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In 1965 Huffy added a girls Dragster & continued their coaster and 3 speed
models. By 1965 Huffy Dragsters were a standard at Huffy & became a permanent
part of their 60's bicycle line. No longer considered just a fad these cool Banana
seats bikes had opened the door for something all new in 1966.
models. By 1965 Huffy Dragsters were a standard at Huffy & became a permanent
part of their 60's bicycle line. No longer considered just a fad these cool Banana
seats bikes had opened the door for something all new in 1966.
| Page #1 1962-1967 |
| ► Be sure to check out page 2 of Huffy History! |
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Like to see my Online
Bicycle Museum?
Bicycle Museum?
The Rail gets a new Sports Car look at Huffy July
1967! The new Huffy Rails were built in both Cali,
and Ohio!
1967! The new Huffy Rails were built in both Cali,
and Ohio!
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