Description
Additional photos of this Mustang Model 4 are available here for your perusal.
Sold for nearly 20 years, the Mustang was developed and built in Glendale, California by Gladden Products Corporation. It started as a homebrew bike built for an employee of Gladden to commute to work during World War II – management liked it so much that they commercialized it! The second version off the line, the Mustang Model 2, was actually the first American bike to utilize a telescopic fork.
By 1950, the Model 2 had evolved into the Model 4, which was available in Standard and Special variants. Both variants got a new seat, two section gas tank, and a new flywheel. The Standard produced 9.5 horsepower with an engine of their own design that featured a forward facing intake, Micarta timing gears, new magneto, and new alternator. The Special produced 10.5 horspeower thanks to engine upgrades which included a performance head – per the seller of this example, the performance head is easily identified as the spark plug comes in at an angle versus completely vertical.
The engine was paired with a 3-speed Burman transmission with right side shift.
For the ’53 model year, Model 4s were available in Dark Blue, Black, and Matador Red.
This example is VIN: S39U46, Engine #: 39U46. The VIN on the frame is no longer visible as it has been powdercoated over.
The transmission is from a 1962 model.
The seller is 65 and acquired it as he had one when he was 18. The purchased it approximately two years ago from a 75 year-old private party on eBay. The seller notes that the engine had previously been redone by Alan Wenzel of Mustang Motorcycles (taken over by his son Eric).
Since then he’s covered roughly 5 miles. There is no odometer and true mileage is unknown.
Cosmetic Blemishes:
When he first purchased it, he had the oil changed. We believe the pilot jet is slightly clogged but it still runs easily.
Inside of the tank:
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Mustang is offered on a clean Florida title. Have any Model 4 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the comments!
