• Legendary and highly desirable German motorcycle
• An older restoration
• Requires recommissioning/restoration

Mars was founded by Paul Reissmann in Nuremberg, Germany in 1873 and commenced production with a range of cast-iron stoves followed by sirens, grinding machines and bicycles. Motorcycle manufacture began in 1903 using proprietary engines supplied by Zedel and Fafnir, and Mars also made cars from 1906 to 1908. Introduced in 1920, the company's most famous model was the legendary 'White Mars' (Weiße Mars), designed by engineer Claus Franzenburg, which was powered by a 956cc horizontally opposed, twin-cylinder, sidevalve engine made exclusively for Mars by Maybach. Unusually, the 'White Mars' featured a box-section frame constructed of welded and riveted steel sheet rather than the almost universal steel tubing. Early examples employed a two-speed, twin-chain transmission, while a conventional three-speed gearbox was standardised later and other colours offered. The Mars' high standard of workmanship and finish encouraged sales initially, only for the economic downturn of the mid-1920s forced production to cease for a few years.

Towards the decade's end former employees Johann and Karl Müller restarted production of the Mars motorcycle (initially under the 'MA' brand name). After more than half a century in production, the Mars factory closed finally closed its gates in June 1958. Of all its many models, it is the 'White Mars' that is the most celebrated; there is an example in the Neue Sammlung international design museum in Munich, Germany, and in the 1980s the model even featured on a German stamp. Several copies have been produced in recent years.

Believed to be an older restoration (date unknown), this White Mars is accompanied by file of paperwork (in German) to include a note and other correspondence dated 2000 suggesting the vendor may have purchased the machine from the noted collector Dieter Mutschler. There is also restoration correspondence from Mike Kron together with his starting instructions, riding instructions, technical data, etc. There are no other documents with the machine, therefore it is not known whether it is registered or has run since restoration. Notable features include an internal copper fuel tank; a Robert Bosch BA2 magneto; a Scharlach headlamp; a Luxor rear lamp; and a spare identity plaque.

Clearly unused for a considerable period, the machine will require careful recommissioning, or possibly more extensive restoration, before further use and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to the condition, completeness, authenticity and compatibility of this Lot's component parts prior to bidding.