Description
Mars 956cc flat twin Maybach engine c. 1925
Engine number: 2438
Year: c. 1925 Cylinder capacity: 956 cc
Documents: German road registration
The Mars A 20 is the most famous model produced by the Mars factory in Nuremberg, which originally started as an iron stove manufacturer before later producing bicycles and motorcycles. From 1903 onwards, the company also briefly built automobiles, before focusing entirely on motorcycle production until the mid-1920s.
Designed by Claus Richard Franzenburg, the Mars A 20 – also known as the “White Mars” – was introduced in 1920 and quickly became a legend. Despite its name, it was not only available in white, but also in other color variants.
The motorcycle is powered by a two-cylinder boxer engine, manufactured exclusively by Maybach according to Franzenburg’s designs. The air-cooled engine has a displacement of 956 cc and produces around 8 hp. It is started via a distinctive hand crank – an unusual yet characteristic feature for the time.
The ‘White Mars’ featured a box-section frame constructed of welded and riveted steel sheet rather than the almost universal steel tubing. Early examples employed a two-speed, twin-chain transmission while a conventional three-speed gearbox was standardised later. The Mars’ high standard of workmanship and finish encouraged sales initially, but the economic downturn of the mid-1920s forced production to cease for a few years. The MA20’s manufacture was ended around the end of the twenties. The Mars factory finally closed its gates in June 1958.
With a weight of around 140 kilograms, the Mars A 20 reaches a top speed of approximately 90 km/ h. Its sturdy frame, made of welded and riveted sheet steel, highlights its robust construction.
This very rare "white Mars" is in a nice patinated condition and in a good running order.
The machine feautures a 956 cc horizontally exposed Maybach engine, which made this motorcycle a luxurious vehicle in its time. The engine can be started by a nice hand crank lever placed on the left side of the engine case.
The Mars is fitted with a rare German made Pallas carburettor, Bosch magneto ignition, original Wittkop saddle and a German made acetylene lighting set with hand operated klaxon horn.
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