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LOT 701 *N

1939 Zündapp KS600 Motorcycle Combination Registration no. not UK registered Frame no. 0027253 Engine no. 519536

Sold for £13,225 inc. premium
Lot 701*,N

1939 Zündapp KS600 Motorcycle Combination
Registration no. not UK registered Frame no. 0027253 Engine no. 519536

1939 Zündapp KS600 Motorcycle Combination
Registration no. not UK registered
Frame no. 0027253
Engine no. 519536

• Rare Zündapp OHV sports model
• Zündapp sports sidecar
• Last ridden circa 10 years ago
• Requires re-commissioning

Founded at the height of WWI to manufacture armaments, Zündapp found a new role post-war as a producer of motorcycles under the direction of new owner, Dr Fritz Neumeyer, building its first machine, a Levis-powered two-stroke, in 1921. The firm began making its own engines in 1924, selling more than 10,000 machines that year, and at the Berlin Motor Show in 1933 introduced the first of the horizontally opposed, four-stroke twins that it is best remembered for. These formed part of an extensive and diverse range of models, all but the smallest two-stroke being designated by the letter 'K' (for kardan, meaning 'shaft').

Among the models premiered were the K400 (398cc) and K500 (496cc) sidevalve twins, both of which employed designer Richard Küchen's unconventional all-chain four-speed 'gearbox' and, as the designation suggests, shaft final drive. Introduced at the same time was another Küchen design: a horizontally opposed four made in 598cc (K600) and 798cc (K800) capacities. Common to all the larger models and eminently suited to withstanding the stresses and strains imposed by travel on unmade roads, the robust frame and girder forks were made of pressed steel, an advanced feature at the time. The new Zündapp range was an enormous success, and in September 1933 the firm produced its 100,000th machine, quite an achievement after little more than a decade as a motorcycle manufacturer.

Immediately prior to the outbreak of war in September 1939, Zündapp introduced an overhead-valve twin, the KS600. The latter's 597cc engine produced 28bhp, and like the rest of the larger Zündapps the KS600 featured the chain-drive 'gearbox', shaft drive, and the pressed steel frame and forks. The larger Zündapps saw service in substantial numbers with the German Army during WW2, military versions being identified by a 'W' (Wehrmacht) model suffix.

Dated as of 1939 manufacture by its VIN plate, this beautiful KS600 is attached to a handsome Zündapp sports sidecar and is described by the private vendor as in 'original and un-restored' condition. Last ridden some 10 years ago, this rare German combination will require re-commissioning before returning to the road. There is no paperwork of any kind with this Lot.

Footnotes

This Lot is subject to VAT on imported items at 5% on Hammer Price and Buyer's Premium, payable by the Buyer.

This lot is subject to a fee of £125 + VAT payable by the Buyer, to undertake the relevant NOVA and C88 (Customs) clearance applications. Please see the Conditions of Sale for further information.

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Lot symbols

*Import low rate
VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.
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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