Description
This motorcycle is Lot 425 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 Saturday 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 425
c. 1934 Zündapp 797cc K800
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. 20113 (overpainted)
Engine no. 140754 (and engine/ gearbox mating number)
Rare, top-of-the-range luxury tourer
An older restoration
Requires recommissioning
Founded at the height of WWI to manufacture armaments, Zündapp found a new role post-war as a producer of motorcycles under the direction of new owner, Dr Fritz Neumeyer, building its first machine, a Levis-powered two-stroke, in 1921. The firm began making its own engines in 1924, selling more than 10, 000 machines that year, and at the Berlin Motor Show in 1933 introduced the first of the horizontally opposed, four-stroke twins that it is best remembered for. These formed part of an extensive and diverse range of models, all but the smallest two-stroke being designated by the letter 'K' (for kardan, meaning 'shaft'). Among the models premiered were the K400 (398cc) and K500 (496cc) sidevalve twins, both of which employed designer Richard Küchen's unconventional all-chain four-speed 'gearbox' and, as the designation suggests, shaft final drive. Introduced at the same time was another Küchen design: a horizontally opposed four made in 598cc (K600) and 797cc (K800) capacities. Common to all the larger models and eminently suited to withstanding the stresses and strains imposed by travel on unmade roads, the robust frame and girder forks were made of pressed steel, an advanced feature at the time. The new Zündapp range was an enormous success and in September 1933 the firm produced its 100, 000th machine, quite an achievement after little more than a decade as a motorcycle manufacturer. The larger Zündapps saw service in substantial numbers with the German Army during WW2, military versions being identified by a 'W' (Wehrmacht) model suffix.
An older restoration, since deteriorated, this example of Zündapp's rare Art Deco masterpiece has clearly not been used for a considerable period; accordingly, the machine will require careful recommissioning or potentially restoration prior to further use and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves as to the condition, completeness, authenticity and compatibility of this Lot's component parts prior to bidding. The odometer reading of 4 kilometres is presumed the distance covered since restoration, while the shaft drive is additionally numbered '29404' and '6/ 38'. The machine is offered with a 2016 Motorrad Classic article by Alan Cathcart and a photocopied technical article.
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.
