Panasonic Touring Deluxe - Bargain

http://allentown.craigslist.org/bik/3877392138.html
Vintage Panasonic 18 Speed Touring Deluxe - $100 (Roseto, PA)

Circa 1985 Panasonic Touring Deluxe bike in good condition - 18 speed - 22 inch frame - everything works. $100 or best offer

Panasonic is another brand that probably would've done well to just make up some other moniker for their bike line, because it doesn't sound particularly attractive.  They made a go of it though with a wide range of bikes to appeal to every level of rider.  This would have been their lesser touring model from the late 80s.  I think 1985 is a little early unless this guy didn't count his gears right. 

But unlike most low level 'touring' models this bike is actually outfitted somewhat like a tourer.  Canti brakes, triple cranks and along range derailler.  The frame was stout Tange 1000 and you can put fenders on it.  Ofcourse it isn't a tourer you can do much touring on, but you could turn this into a great rain bike or errand runner.  And you're in at only $100.  By the end of the 80s, though, even these models were decked out with every braze on you could want and could be outfitted like an honest to goodness touring bike. 

The styling of this bike is mercifully minimalistic, as some of the decals on the Panasonics are hideously 80s.  I wonder what the ride is like?  I had a Panasonic sport which was heavy as a tank and, despite being my size, I really had to crunch up to ride.  The touring model may have had a more expanded geometry and a better ride for someone like me.