Description
Vehicle Description
DKW SB 350 – Year of manufacture 1938 – 2nd Series / long wheelbase version – rare hand-foot clutch
For sale is an extraordinary DKW SB 350 from 1938, from the rare second series, i. e. the long wheelbase version, which was only built in 1937 and 1938.
The DKW features remarkably well-preserved original paintwork for its age, is virtually completely original and rust-free. It has been deliberately not fully restored, but rather its original substance, patina and authenticity have been preserved.
Technically, it is a 342 cc single-cylinder two-stroke engine with 11 PS / 8 kW according to the registration document. First registration is 08. 11. 1938.
A particular rarity is the combined hand-foot gearshift with hand-foot clutch. In particular, the foot clutch is extraordinarily rare. Historical documentation of the original purpose is not yet known. It is conceivable that this was an individual special version for a particular use, possibly in racing or competition, or for a rider with limited use of the left hand. This is expressly not documented.
Other remarkable details include the hydronalium strips, a seat with sports edge, fold-out rear passenger pegs, an original Fischer-Amal carburettor with open 40 mm intake funnel, an original Hella DM6 horn, an alternator with adjustment window for "quick adjustment" and original Magura handlebar end stops. With few exceptions, original Ribe 8G screws are fitted.
Since 2022, the machine has been carefully serviced over a period of two years. All cables and hoses, alternator brushes and bulbs have been renewed. The exhaust has been replaced with a new original replica, the coil box has been serviced with original old spare parts and old Beru insulator spark plugs have been fitted. Handlebar and internal throttle cable have been renewed and modernised. Worn threads on the alternator anchor plate were professionally renewed using laser welding at PSL.
The cork clutch is intact. Gearbox and clutch housing have been filled exclusively with flowing grease.
The vehicle comes with extensive historical documentation as well as accessories and spare parts: German and Swedish registration documents, latest German TÜV report, historical Swedish tax records, original operating manual and spare parts list, service documentation, wheeled storage stand, custom-made cover, rear axle stand, additional coil box, air filter, carburettor, spark plugs and further spare parts.
The DKW is currently not registered. A test ride is therefore not possible. After a prolonged period of storage, fuel and spark plug should be renewed and the ignition should be optimally adjusted once more.
Price: €20, 000 ono including accessories, spare parts and documentation.
Viewing by arrangement. Delivery possible if required, subject to additional charge.
Private sale with exclusion of liability for defects.
History
A DKW whose history began in 1938 – and whose most fascinating chapter remains a mystery to this day.
The DKW SB 350 was first registered on 8 November 1938. It comes from the rare second series of the SB 350, the long wheelbase version, which was only built in 1937 and 1938.
Nothing is known about the first years of its life. The history between its first registration in 1938 and November 1945 remains an unresolved chapter.
However, it is interesting that the engine and frame numbers match and both components have demonstrably formed a unit since at least 1945. It is therefore reasonable to assume that the engine and frame originally belonged together and may have left the DKW factory together.
Then the machine reappears – in November 1945 in Gothenburg, Sweden.
The first known Swedish entry leads to Malte Blohm AB, a then renowned dealer in Gothenburg who was involved, among other things, in the import of racing machines. It is precisely this circumstance that makes the history of the DKW particularly interesting.
How a German pre-war motorcycle came to Sweden immediately after the Second World War could not be clarified despite investigations, either by myself or by the still-living Swedish previous owners.
One possible explanation would be that the DKW came to Sweden by an unusual route. The suspicion that it may have been smuggled cannot be proven today, however.
What is certain is: In November 1945 it was in Sweden.
And there it remained for more than 75 years.
Swedish registration documents and historical tax records from 1945 to 1953 are preserved. These documents provide a rare insight into the first known post-war years of the motorcycle.
The DKW remained in Sweden until 2020, before it came back to Germany via the Netherlands. Since 2022 it has been in my possession.
Over the following two years it was serviced with great attention to originality and historical substance. Numerous technical components were renewed or overhauled without completely restoring the motorcycle and thus changing its authentic character.
The unusual hand-foot clutch remains particularly fascinating. Whether it was present at delivery, was later made for a particular rider or was indeed connected to a special use – possibly even in motorsport – can no longer be said with certainty today.
Thus the DKW has two histories: one that can be traced through documents, and a second that remains in the dark between 1938 and 1945.
Perhaps it was an ordinary road motorcycle. Perhaps it was modified for a particular rider. Perhaps it did indeed play a role in competition. Perhaps it came to Sweden under adventurous circumstances.
None of this can be proven today.
Yet it is precisely this gap that makes this motorcycle so special.
With the DKW, therefore, not only is an almost 90-year-old pre-war motorcycle being offered, but also a small piece of unresolved European motorcycle history – including the preserved documents that make its journey from 1945 onwards traceable.
