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LOT 623 N

1949 NSU 251 OSL Frame no. 1198884 Engine no. 625711

Sold for £4,600 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 623N

1949 NSU 251 OSL
Frame no. 1198884 Engine no. 625711

1949 NSU 251 OSL
Frame no. 1198884
Engine no. 625711

Yet another motorcycle manufacturer with its roots in the bicycle industry, NSU built its first powered two-wheeler in 1900. Proprietary engines were used initially, but within a few years NSU was making its own and was one of the first manufacturers to fit two-speed transmission. The marque established a strong presence in the UK market, ranking second only to Indian among imported makes prior to WWI. In 1929 the German firm succeeded in recruiting designer Walter Moore from Norton. Moore had been responsible for Norton's first successful overhead-camshaft machine, the CS1, so it came as no surprise when distinctly Norton-esque 'cammy' NSU Super Sport models appeared a short time later. In 1932 NSU introduced the Moore-designed 'O' series of overhead-valve singles, which would form the mainstay of production thereafter. However, it was not for his contribution to the design of its medium and large-capacity four-strokes that NSU had most reason to thank Moore, but for his 98cc two-stroke Quick ultra-lightweight, almost a quarter of a million of which were manufactured between 1936 and 1953. Supplied by G Emminger und Sohne, Baden, this NSU OSL has been left in original and un-restored condition on Giancarlo Morbidelli's instructions. There are no documents with this Lot.

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.

Saleroom notices

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  • 12 August 2020, 13:00 - 17:00 BST

Lot symbols

NNOVA declaration
If purchased by a UK resident, this machine is subject to a NOVA declaration, whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (SHIPPIO) to undertake the NOVA and C88 (customs) application if applicable on the Buyer's behalf. A fee of £350 + VAT to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice.

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