c.1927 Mars 956cc A20Registration no. not registeredFrame no. D.R.P K.1.002. (stamped to headstock)Engine no. 2515 (to engine casing and sump)•Legendary and highly desirable German motorcycle•An older restoration•Requires recommissioning/restorationMars was founded by Paul Reissmann in Nuremberg, Germany in 1873 and commenced production with a range of cast-iron stoves followed by sirens, grinding machines and bicycles. Motorcycle manufacture began in 1903 using proprietary engines supplied by Zedel and Fafnir, and Mars also made cars from 1906 to 1908. Introduced in 1920, the company's most famous model was the legendary 'White Mars' (Weiße Mars), designed by engineer Claus Franzenburg, which was powered by a 956cc horizontally opposed, twin-cylinder, sidevalve engine made exclusively for Mars by Maybach. Unusually, 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 and other colours offered. The Mars' high standard of workmanship and finish encouraged sales initially, only for the economic downturn of the mid-1920s forced production to cease for a few years.Towards the decade's end former employees Johann and Karl Müller restarted production of the Mars motorcycle (initially under the 'MA' brand name). After more than half a century in production, the Mars factory closed finally closed its gates in June 1958. Of all its many models, it is the 'White Mars' that is the most celebrated; there is an example in the Neue Sammlung international design museum in Munich, Germany, and in the 1980s the model even featured on a German stamp. Several copies have been produced in recent years. Believed to be an older restoration (date unknown), this White Mars is accompanied by file of paperwork (in German) to include a note and other correspondence dated 2000 suggesting the vendor may have purchased the machine from the noted collector Dieter Mutschler. There is also restoration correspondence from Mike Kron together with his starting instructions, riding instructions, technical data, etc. There are no other documents with the machine, therefore it is not known whether it is registered or has run since restoration. Notable features include an internal copper fuel tank; a Robert Bosch BA2 magneto; a Scharlach headlamp; a Luxor rear lamp; and a spare identity plaque. Clearly unused for a considerable period, the machine will require careful recommissioning, or possibly more extensive restoration, before further use and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to the condition, completeness, authenticity and compatibility of this Lot's component parts prior to bidding.Footnotes:Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, Shippio Ltd, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If this vehicle is to stay in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the standard rate of 5% on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Motorcycles department harry.taylor@bonhams.com +44 (0) 20 8963 2817.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.REQUEST A TRANSPORT QUOTEPlease click the link to request a transport quote from our recommended transport company, Moving Motorcycles.To request a UK or European shipping quote - Moving MotorcyclesTo request an International shipping quote - ShippioThis Lot will be auctioned on Sunday 13 October starting at 11am GMT.Saleroom notices:We have been informed that noted collector Dieter Mutschler did not previously own this Mars, but he has some knowledge of its history from approximately 20 years ago while it was in the care of the late owner. At that time, the late owner possessed a correct Mars engine, carburettor, and magneto but lacked the necessary frame and additional components to restore the engine into a complete motorcycle. It is understood that the late owner then commissioned marque specialist Mike Kron to reconstruct the machine around the aforementioned engine, carburettor, and magneto. Accordingly, prospective bidders must satisfy themselves as to the age, authenticity and compatibility of this Lot's component parts prior to bidding.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: * N* VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.N If purchased by a UK resident, this machine is subject to a NOVA declaration, whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (SHIPPIO) to undertake the NOVA and C88 (customs) application if applicable on the Buyer's behalf. A fee of £350 + VAT to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
