1936 NSU 501 SS Race Bike
Highlights
- A rare and fascinating piece of pre-war motorcycle racing history
- Superbly preserved and beautifully patinated
- Ridden at various historic events
The Appeal
When it came to motorcycle racing during the 1920s, British marques were the ones to beat. Recognising British engineering was ahead of the game, German motorcycle manufacturer NSU poached Walter Moore from Norton, as he had been behind the firm’s successful works bikes in 1927.
Under Moore’s guidance, NSU would develop the 501 and 601 ‘Supersports’, which both met with considerable success in Europe with the team being led by fellow Brit, Tom Bullus. While the outbreak of the Second World War would bring an end to NSU’s fruitful, Anglo-German alliance, we still have a handful of bikes like this 1936 NSU 501 SS with which to remember this fascinating period of motorcycling history.
This NSU is in remarkably good condition for a race bike of this age. We adore the patina it has accrued over the years, and while it has evidently undergone some restoration work in the past, this has not in any way compromised its commendable originality. The bike was subject to mechanical recommissioning in 2011, having reportedly formed part of a static collection for around four years. We’re informed that the bike took part in an event at Varano in 2013 and has since been part of the vendor’s collection after they acquired it at auction the same year.
The History and Paperwork
- We’re informed that this bike was constructed in 1936
- Frame No: 1104808
- Engine No: 160741
- No odometer fitted
- As a race bike, it is not road-registered
- Acquired by the vendor at auction in 2013
- The antepenultimate registered keeper reportedly kept the bike in their static collection
- Subject to recommissioning work in 2011 and ridden at Varano in 2013
The Condition
- Simply finished - as befits a paired-back racer
- The frame has evidently been repainted in the past to a good standard
- Period-correct decals fitted applied to the fuel tank and rear mudguard
- No notable ear to the grips, pegs and seat upholstery
- Period-appropriate Avon Speedmaster tyres fitted and in good visual order
- Equipped with race number boards fore and aft
- The black-painted wheels appear in good condition
- Slight pitting to the plated parts, but nothing noteworthy
- Gently patinated fuel tank, oil tank and primary chain cover
The Mechanics
- 494 cc four-stroke single with hairpin valves
- Four-speed gearbox
- Bevel-driven camshaft developed by Walter Moore
- Bosch magneto
- Amal carburettor
- Clutch may need some attention
- Various spares included in sale
- Suspension consists of a girder forks up front and a live rear end
- We understand that this bike has been run sparingly over the years, as is not uncommon for machines that are not road registered
BEFORE YOU BUY
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✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
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✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1936
- Make NSU
- Model 501
- Colour Silver
- Odometer
- Engine size 494
Listing Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Stevenage
- Location Hertfordshire
- Country United Kingdom
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