LOT 317
1928 Neander K500 SS Registration no. SV 9906 Frame no. 494 Engine no. 8129
Sold for £34,500 inc. premium
Lot 317
1928 Neander K500 SSRegistration no. SV 9906 Frame no. 494 Engine no. 8129
The Autumn Stafford Sale: The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|20 October 2019, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground
1928 Neander K500 SS
Registration no. SV 9906
Frame no. 494
Engine no. 8129
Registration no. SV 9906
Frame no. 494
Engine no. 8129
• Rare German sports roadster
• Matching numbers
• Present ownership since 2003
• Featured in Neander by Thomas Trapp
Although little known in the UK, Neander motorcycles enjoy a deserved reputation for design innovation and exemplary build quality in their native Germany. The Neander was the creation of multi-talented Ernst Neumann, who was born in the Prussian city of Kassel – also birthplace of the Brothers Grimm – in 1871. A natural inventor, Neumann built prototype tricycles powered by steam and internal combustion engines before embarking on a career as a commercial artist in Munich and then Paris, where he designed his first motorcycle for the Griffon company. Returning to Germany, Neumann adopted the nomme de plume 'Neander', styling motor cars in Berlin before embarking on his career as a motorcycle manufacturer in the early 1920s. Innovative pressed steel frames (cadmium plated) were a feature of Neander motorcycles, which were powered by a variety of proprietary engines from the likes of Villiers, JAP, Küchen and MAG, ranging in capacity from 122 to 996cc. The design would later be licensed to Opel.
Sadly, and like so many others, Neander Motorfahrzeug GmbH became a casualty of the worldwide economic downturn at the end of the 1920s. After his factory's closure, Ernst Neumann returned to the motor industry, designing small, lightweight cars powered by motorcycle engines. The arrival of the Volkswagen having rendered such vehicles unviable, Neumann returned to painting in his final years, dying in 1954 aged 83. Today his life's work is commemorated in the permanent Neander exhibition in the Euskerchen city museum, while there is also an annual memorial ride in Bad Münstereifel.
One of the last motorcycles to leave the factory before its closure, this ultra-rare Küchen-engined Neander K500 SS has belonged to the current vendor since 2003 and was last taxed to 31st December 2014. Some refurbishment was carried out circa three years ago, the tank and mudguards being repainted, and the wheels rebuilt. A later speedometer is the only notified deviation from factory specification. 'SV 9906' has featured in the book Neander by Thomas Trapp; The Classic Motorcycle magazine (March 2008 edition); and The Telegraph's online Lifestyle section (15th March 2019). Last run in August 2019 and described by the private vendor as in good condition throughout, the machine is offered with correspondence, expired MoTs, old/current V5C documents, and copies of the aforementioned Trapp book and TCM. An imposing sight from any angle, this magnificent Neander would grace any collection of fine Vintage motorcycles.
• Matching numbers
• Present ownership since 2003
• Featured in Neander by Thomas Trapp
Although little known in the UK, Neander motorcycles enjoy a deserved reputation for design innovation and exemplary build quality in their native Germany. The Neander was the creation of multi-talented Ernst Neumann, who was born in the Prussian city of Kassel – also birthplace of the Brothers Grimm – in 1871. A natural inventor, Neumann built prototype tricycles powered by steam and internal combustion engines before embarking on a career as a commercial artist in Munich and then Paris, where he designed his first motorcycle for the Griffon company. Returning to Germany, Neumann adopted the nomme de plume 'Neander', styling motor cars in Berlin before embarking on his career as a motorcycle manufacturer in the early 1920s. Innovative pressed steel frames (cadmium plated) were a feature of Neander motorcycles, which were powered by a variety of proprietary engines from the likes of Villiers, JAP, Küchen and MAG, ranging in capacity from 122 to 996cc. The design would later be licensed to Opel.
Sadly, and like so many others, Neander Motorfahrzeug GmbH became a casualty of the worldwide economic downturn at the end of the 1920s. After his factory's closure, Ernst Neumann returned to the motor industry, designing small, lightweight cars powered by motorcycle engines. The arrival of the Volkswagen having rendered such vehicles unviable, Neumann returned to painting in his final years, dying in 1954 aged 83. Today his life's work is commemorated in the permanent Neander exhibition in the Euskerchen city museum, while there is also an annual memorial ride in Bad Münstereifel.
One of the last motorcycles to leave the factory before its closure, this ultra-rare Küchen-engined Neander K500 SS has belonged to the current vendor since 2003 and was last taxed to 31st December 2014. Some refurbishment was carried out circa three years ago, the tank and mudguards being repainted, and the wheels rebuilt. A later speedometer is the only notified deviation from factory specification. 'SV 9906' has featured in the book Neander by Thomas Trapp; The Classic Motorcycle magazine (March 2008 edition); and The Telegraph's online Lifestyle section (15th March 2019). Last run in August 2019 and described by the private vendor as in good condition throughout, the machine is offered with correspondence, expired MoTs, old/current V5C documents, and copies of the aforementioned Trapp book and TCM. An imposing sight from any angle, this magnificent Neander would grace any collection of fine Vintage motorcycles.
Footnotes
As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.
Additional information
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- 19 October 2019, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
- 20 October 2019, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
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