1978 Van Veen Kreidler 50cc Racing Motorcycle

• Water-cooled example
• No history known
• Requires recommissioning

The German Kreidler concern was at the forefront of 50cc road racing from the moment the class was elevated to World Championship status in 1962. The factory's early efforts used engines based on that of the successful Florett roadster and despite this apparent handicap only narrowly missed out on providing Hans-Georg Anscheidt with the World Championship in 1962 and '63. After the Japanese factories' withdrawal from Grand Prix racing, the Kreidler racing effort was taken up by the Dutch importer Van Veen, and the marque became the dominant force in the 'tiddler' class in the 1970s, winning the world title five times.

Derbi's Ángel Nieto grabbed the title back the following year after a closely fought season, but there would be no stopping the Van Veen Kreidlers from then on, de Vries, Henk Van Kessel and Nieto taking successive world titles for the team. The following three years were a Bultaco benefit and then in 1979 Eugenio Lazzarini wrested the World Championship back for Van Veen Kreidler. Despite its racetrack successes the company was faring less well commercially, and in the summer of 1982 Kreidler went into receivership. Even after its demise the marque still figured in the top flight of international 50cc racing, Stefan Dörflinger securing the first of his World Championships at the end of the '82 season aboard the Van Veen-tuned Krauser/Kreidler and retaining the title in 1983.

Unfortunately, nothing is known of this water-cooled Van Veen Kreidler's past history or condition. Purchased recently by the vendor, it has not been started and will require recommissioning before further use (the engine turns over). There are no documents with this Lot, which is sold strictly as viewed.
Key not required