c.1906 Neckarsulm (NSU) 410cc 3½hp

Frame no. 100584 Engine no. 5153

Footnotes

• Early 'NSU' from the Pioneer period

• An older restoration

• Lohmann's Perfecta headlamp

Yet another motorcycle manufacturer with its roots in the bicycle industry, NSU built its first powered two-wheeler in 1900. The firm had originally been founded in Neckarsulm, Germany by Christian Schmidt to manufacture knitting machines, its initials standing for Neckarsulm Strickmaschinen Union. Zédel proprietary engines were used initially but within a few years NSU was making its own power units and was one of the first manufacturers to fit two-speed transmission. Designed by its late founder's son, Karl Schmidt, the first all-NSU model of 1903 was powered by a 329cc engine rated at 2½hp and would turn out to be a huge success by the standards of the day, in excess of 2,000 being sold up to 1905. A host of different models was introduced up to the outbreak of war, including a range of v-twins in various sizes. The marque established a strong presence in overseas markets, being exported widely throughout Europe and even to the USA. Prior to WWI, NSU ranked second only to Indian among imported makes in the UK.

An older restoration, this single-cylinder NSU from the Pioneer period boasts a host of delightful details to include a Lohmann's Perfecta headlamp, P&H rear lamp and a Molnija watch clamped to the handlebars. Accompanying paperwork includes various instruction manuals (in German), a selection of photographs and a quantity of photocopied technical literature.


• Très ancienne « NSU » de la période Pioneer

• Ancienne restauration

• Phare Perfecta de Lohmann

Anciennement restaurée, cette monocylindre NSU du temps des pionniers possède de savoureux détails d'équipement dont un phare Perfecta de Lohmann, une lampe arrière P&H et une montre Molnija attachée au guidon. Le dossier joint comprend divers manuels d'utilisation (en allemand), une sélection de photos et de la littérature technique en photocopies.


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.