Description
1930 Tornax III-30 Jap 1000cc V twin Motorcycle.
Registration: IY-31930 (Germany)
- details above
- details above
- details above
- details above
The German answer to Brough Superior.
In 1926, wealthy jeweller, watchmaker and motorcycle racer Ernst Wewer realised a long-standing dream: producing motorcycles of his own manufacture. The factory was situated in Wuppertal-Langerfeld in Germany. Along with Chief Design Engineer Otto Karpe, he created a world-class and superbly reliable chassis that was fitted with special-order J. A. P. engines imported from England.
The ‘Tornax’ name was derived from a creative variation on the word ‘tornado’. Their first machine was a 18 HP 598cc single called the I-26. In the beginning, Tornax used the year of production in their model names rather than displacement or catchy names. In the late twenties Tornax built a few highly successful racers that were equipped with the impressive J. A. P. KTOR 980 cc V-twin engine with bore/ stroke dimensions of 85, 7 x 85 mm.
Tornax machines scored impressive results at the famous Nürburgring and other circuits. Famous works riders at the time were Heinz Kürten, Anton Gosse and Emil Hobelmann. Following these racing successes some very fast and well-engineered big twin models were released in 1930. At a buyer’s special request the firm would install the top-shelf JAP engine (similar in specs to the Brough Superior SS 100 engine), which was reportedly capable of outputting 72hp and propelling the bike to a very impressive 118mph. Regrettably provuction of these fantastic V twin models ceased when a certain Mustache wearing Chancellor dereed that "You Vill Not longer Put Englisher Engines in a Goot Cherman Motorads"...... and that was the beginning of the end prior to the facoty being turned over to armaments production.
The example we have here is equipped with a JAP 1000cc Side valve engine similar to the Brough Superior we have for sale. The Motorcycle has been built up & fully restored by a German owner of multiple Tornax motorcycles & has been toured by him as far afield as Barvaria. Needless to say it is in mint & perfect condition with some 311 miles covered since completion.
Make no mistake; this is a superb quality machine built in Wuppertal with the same ethos & attention to detail that george brough lavished upon his machines coming out of Haydn Road, but is of course far far rarer. It is German registered & EEC taxes paid.
The motorcycle starts easily on the kick start & rides beautifully making all the right noises. My recent foray to the Ace Cafe was well received by all bikes old & modern alike & there was little danger of anotehr parking next to me.
Call Richard Biddulph. Mobile ++44 (0) the details below
Simone Della Corte Mobile ++44 (0) the details below
Sales & Valuations
Vintage & Prestige of Northampton Ltd.
using the button below
- details above
Showroom:
2 Ryehill Ct, Lodge Farm Industrial Estate, Northampton NN5 7UA
Viewings & Visits Strictly by appointment only please. We have on site long term storage for over 200 cars with 24 hour security & covered trailer delivery to customers anywhere in Europe.
