Description
This motorcycle is Lot 164 of Bonhams Motorcycles Online – The Summer Sale; open for bidding 5-15th June 2026. This Lot is available for public view and eventual collection from Bonhams Motorcycle Department, Milton Keynes.
Please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Bidding on all Lots commences Friday 5 June, 12:00 noon.
Bidding closes Monday 15 June, 12:00 noon, starting with Lot 1
Each subsequent Lot will then close one minute apart unless bidding remains active.
Public Viewing (BY APPOINTMENT ONLY):
All Lots:
Wednesday 10 June, 9am - 5pm
Thursday 11 June, 9am - 5pm
Please email using the button below with your availability to schedule an appointment.
Lot 164
The Connoisseurs Collection, Part III
c. 1958 NSU Supermax
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. 1287519
Engine no. 788247
This Lot has arrived in the UK from overseas under Temporary Admission. Shippio Ltd must complete all post-sale customs clearance administration, for import or export, on behalf of the purchaser. A compulsory fee of £195 + VAT will be added to the buyer's invoice for this service. This Lot may not be collected from the auction venue by the purchaser or any third-party transporter until Shippio Ltd has confirmed that this Lot has cleared customs.
If this Lot is to remain in the UK, or is not exported within 90 days of the sale, Import VAT at 5% of the hammer price will be payable.
NSU produced some outstanding and influential designs in the 1950s, foremost of which was the 250cc Max, introduced in 1952. The Max used a pressed-steel frame (entirely enclosing the rear suspension) and a leading-link front fork, but its most unusual feature was the Albert Roder-designed 'Ultramax' connecting-link drive for the single overhead camshaft. A luxury tourer, the Max was no lightweight so acceleration was leisurely, but once at its maximum of 75-80mph could be cruised there all day with the minimum of fuss. The ultimate version, the Supermax, appeared in 1956 boasting conventional twin-shock rear suspension and a slightly more powerful engine. What hadn't changed though, was the exemplary standard of reliability, build quality and finish that had characterised the Max line from the start. Production of the Supermax, along with that of all other NSU motorcycles, ceased in 1963.
Presented in restored condition, this Supermax currently displays a total of 1, 400 kilometres on the odometer, which may well be the distance covered since the rebuild. The engine turns over and the machine would respond well to detailing (the fuel lines appear to have hardened). The machine comes with copy paperwork relating to the vendor's purchase in 1996.
Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning and/ or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding.
£1, 500 - 2, 000
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.
