Beschreibung:

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 in 1933 introduced the first of the horizontally opposed, four-stroke twins that it is best remembered for. The initial 398cc and 496cc sidevalve 'K' models were followed in 1936 by the overhead-valve KS500 which, like its predecessors, employed designer Richard Küchen's unconventional all-chain four-speed 'gearbox' and shaft final drive. 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. This Zündapp K500 was purchased for the vendor's private collection circa 40 years ago in Austria. Described by the vendor as very original, the machine is described by the vendor as in working order, having been cared for by the owner's in-house mechanic. Accompanying paperwork consists of an Italian libretto and an ASI homologation document.