1955 AWO/SIMSON 250CC RACING MOTORCYCLE (LOT 648)

This motorcycle is to be auctioned at our Live and Online Summer Sale, Hanger 113, Bicester Heritage, OX26 5HA.

Please click the link to see the full online Lot listing: https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/26111/

SALE TIMES
Friday 14 August Spares & Memorabilia (Lot 1 - 212) 10am
Saturday 15 August Motorcycles (Lot 301 - 462) 10am
Sunday 16 August Motorcycles (Morbidelli Collection) (Lot 501 - 704) 10am

VIEWING
In light of the current government guidelines and relaxed measures we are delighted to welcome viewing, strictly by appointment. All the lots will be on view at Bicester Heritage in our traditional Hangar 113. We will ensure social distancing measures are in place, with gloves and sanitiser available for clients wishing to view motorcycle history files.

Please contact Bonhams Motorcycles with your preferred date, time and vehicle registration number to book an appointment.

VIEWING TIMES
Wednesday 12 August 1pm to 5pm
Thursday 13 August 9am to 5pm
Friday 14 August 9am to 5pm
Saturday 15 August 9am to 5pm (Lots 501-704 only)

LIVE AND ONLINE AUCTION
Please note that whilst public viewing is available by appointment, the auction itself will be conducted from a remote saleroom, behind closed doors without public access, in accordance with the current government guidelines. All bidding will be conducted via Online, Telephone and Absentee Bidding. Please contact our Bids Department to register.

AUCTION ADDRESS
Hangar 113
Bicester Heritage
Buckingham Road
Bicester
Oxfordshire
OX26 5HA

1955 AWO/SIMSON 250CC RACING MOTORCYCLE (LOT 648)
FRAME NO. UNABLE TO LOCATE
ENGINE NO. 1009
Along with MZ, Simson was owned by the East German (DDR) government. Post-WW2, motorcycle production resumed in 1952 at the former Simson-Supra car factory with a range of 250cc four-strokes sold under the AWO brand name. Renamed Simson, the firm concentrated on lightweight motorcycles of less than 100cc from the 1960s onwards, leaving the larger-capacity classes to MZ. Its first introduction - the 247cc AWO 425 - was, not surprisingly, BMW influenced, being an overhead-valve single with inline crankshaft and four-speed shaft-drive transmission, while the cycle parts comprised a tubular cradle frame equipped with telescopic front fork, plunger rear suspension and 180mm diameter brakes on both wheels. Although the first racing version kept to the original's OHV architecture, subsequent developments featured single-overhead and twin-overhead-camshaft engines with varying methods of valve actuation. These racing developments of the AWO 425 enjoyed considerable domestic success, taking the DDR National Road Racing Championship in 1953, '54 and '55, a state of affairs that led to the introduction of a sports version for the road: the 425S. This 250cc AWO racer has a twin-overhead-cam engine with the camshafts driven by chain. A beautiful older restoration, this rare Eastern Bloc racing motorcycle is offered with technical information and photocopied literature relating to the marque (all in German).

£8,000 - 14,000
€8,900 - 16,000
To be sold without reserve

As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.