• Ultra-rare limited edition superbike
• Sold new in Germany
• Only 33,485 kilometres recorded
• Requires recommissioning/restoration

In 1965 Friedel Münch, formerly with the Horex racing department, was approached by wealthy French ex-sidecar racer Jean Murit with a simple brief: build a no-expense-spared 'superbike', though the latter term had yet to be coined. Münch found his ideal engine in the form of the air-cooled overhead-camshaft four powering the recently introduced NSU Prinz car. For Murit's machine he used the 1,000cc TT sports version of this engine which, tuned for 60bhp, proved capable of propelling the bulky Mammoth to a top speed of 120mph. Nothing too remarkable there you might think, but while several contemporary production motorcycles could achieve a similar maximum, it was the Mammoth's ability to accelerate powerfully from 20mph in top gear and cruise all day at 110mph that set it apart from the herd.

The engine was housed in a cradle frame inspired by the Manx Norton, and to keep the weight down Münch made extensive use of Elektron magnesium alloy, which was used for the gearbox shell, rear chain case, fork sliders and brakes. The result was a commendably low dry weight for the prototype of 433lbs, though production versions would weigh considerably more. Elephant Rally founder and Das Motorrad journalist Ernst Leverkus rode the bike in 1966 and the resulting worldwide publicity provoked a rush of orders. The production Mammoth (the name would later be dropped for copyright reasons) first appeared at the Cologne Show in September 1966, by which time the capacity had risen to 1,085cc, power to 70bhp and the top speed close on 140mph. Hand built to individual customer order, the Mammoth eventually used the 1,177cc version of the NSU four with power outputs of up to 104bhp. It is estimated that fewer than 500 machines of all types were built.

Currently displaying a total of 33,485 kilometres on the odometer, this particular Mammoth comes with a list of its owners in the 1970s, of whom there were six (see Kraftfahrzeugbrief on file). Also on file is correspondence from Friedel Münch; various pieces of marque-related copy literature; a Münch TTS 1200 Brochure and pamphlet; copy owner's manual; and a spare parts catalogue.

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.