Description
This motorcycle is Lot 421 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Autumn Stafford Sale (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show) on 12 & 13 October, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 1 - 176 are to be sold from 11:00 on Saturday 12th October 2024.
Lots 201 - 429 are to be sold from 11:00 on Sunday 13th October 2024.
Public Viewing:
Available 12th & 13th October 2024 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Stafford County Showground (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show).
Lot 421
c. 1927 Mars 956cc A20
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. D. R. P K. 1. 002. (stamped to headstock)
Engine no. 2515 (to engine casing and sump)
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.
SALEROOM NOTICE
We have been informed that noted collector Dieter Mutschler did not previously own this Mars, but he has some knowledge of its history from approximately 20 years ago while it was in the care of the late owner. At that time, the late owner possessed a correct Mars engine, carburettor, and magneto but lacked the necessary frame and additional components to restore the engine into a complete motorcycle. It is understood that the late owner then commissioned marque specialist Mike Kron to reconstruct the machine around the aforementioned engine, carburettor, and magneto. Accordingly, prospective bidders must satisfy themselves as to the age, authenticity and compatibility of this Lot's component parts prior to bidding.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
