1936 DKW SB 500

Frame no. 287 418 Engine no. 514050/68

Footnotes

• Believed an older restoration (although possibly original)

• Purchased in 2003

• Formerly registered in Denmark

DKW was founded in Zschopau in 1919 by Danish engineer Jorgen Rasmussen and built its first motorcycle power unit, a single-cylinder, clip-on engine for bicycle attachment, in 1921. This 122cc motor was a two-stroke, and DKW would remain faithful to this engine type from then on, becoming world leaders in two-stroke design in the 1930s. DKW was Continental Europe's largest motorcycle maker at this time, manufacturing a huge and diverse range of roadsters throughout the 1930s. DKW's two-strokes were the most advanced of their day, featuring, from 1929, Schnuerle-type loop-scavenge engines and others, from 1931, powered by the Herman Webber-designed 'split-single' engine that would bring the German marque immense success in racing.

Powered by a twin-cylinder two-stroke engine of 494cc producing around 15bhp, the SB 500 was introduced in 1934 and would remain in production until 1939, by which time approximately 19,000 had been built. Other notable features included a three-speed hand-change gearbox, a foot clutch and 'Dynastart' electric starting, the latter one of the first applications of this now virtually universal convenience.

Believed an older restoration, although possibly original, this SB500 comes with copies of original Danish registration documents dated August 1936 and May 1959 respectively. Additional documentation includes a magazine article (in German); a election of photographs; copy bill of sale to Peter Bühner dated March 2003; a Danish registration document (issued 1998); and original parts lists (x2). It should be noted that the engine does not turn over and that the battery has leaked acid.


• Ancienne restauration, sinon d'origine

• Acquise en 2003

• Antérieurement immatriculée au Danemark

Supposée avoir fait l'objet d'une restauration ancienne ou peut-être dans son état d'origine, cette SB500 est accompagnée de copies de ses documents d'immatriculation danois datés respectivement d'août 1936 et de mai 1959. La documentation comprend aussi un article de magazine (en allemand), un choix de photos, une copie de la facture de vente à Peter Bühner datée de mars 2003, un document d'immatriculation danois (émis en 1998) et deux listes de pièces de rechange. On notera que le moteur ne démarre pas et une fuite de l'acide de la batterie.


It should be noted that these vehicles have either been on display in the museum or kept in store since Peter and Ulrike passed away. Their present mechanical condition is not known; accordingly, perspective bidders must satisfy themselves with regards to their condition, completeness, correctness, or otherwise prior to bidding.

On notera que depuis le décès de Peter et d'Ulrike ces véhicules ont été maintenus en exposition dans le musée ou entreposés. L'état actuel réel des mécaniques est inconnu et les éventuels acquéreurs devront s'assurer par eux-mêmes de la condition, de l'intégrité, de l'authenticité et autres points relatifs à la qualité des machines avant de porter leurs enchères.