Golden Zephyr

1930s Manton Smith Golden Zephyr 

​Manton and Smith Iron Company in Chicago, IL, started manufacturing bicycle frames for other companies in the early 1920s. J.S. Manton, co-owner of the company, sparked the shift to bicycles because of his own passion for bicycle racing. 

Manton and Smith's peak bicycle era spanned from the mid1930s-1950s, one of the most notable models being the Golden Zephyr. 

The company's bikes featured balloon tire style, tank-like components on the frames and rear luggage racks. They were designed with both function and aesthetic in mind.