1940 Zundapp K500 | The National Military History Center | RM Sotheby's

Lot 111

The National Military History Center

1940 Zundapp K500

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$10,000 USD | Sold

United States | Auburn, Indiana

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Identification No.
162095
Addendum: All military vehicles and artifacts offered in this sale are sold "As Is" and "For collector purposes only". These military vehicles and artifacts should never be loaded and/or fired with any ammunition. We make no warranty and/or representations as to the suitability or fitness of these items for use. By purchasing military vehicles and artifacts you hereby and irrevocably waive any and all claims against Auctions America by RM, Inc. and agree to indemnify and hold harmless Auctions America by RM, Inc. from any injuries or death associated with these military vehicles and artifacts. Please note, there may be an associated licensing fee based on the location of licensing, and bidder must satisfy himself as to all licensing and import requirements in his home state or country.

Please Note: Information regarding these museum display vehicles was provided by the National Military History Center and has not been independently verified by Auctions America by RM ("AA"). As such, AA does not verify, warrant or guarantee any of this information. Prior inspection and research by the buyer is highly encouraged and recommended.

ATTENTION: Buyers are responsible for securing transportation and moving/loading of lots. Lot may be left on display indefinitely in the museum free of charge with a signed loan agreement form. Lots are sold as is, where is.

Please note this is being sold on "Bill of Sale" only.

Manufacturer: Zundapp-Werke GmbH, Nuremberg, Germany

Production Year: 1940

Engine: Zundapp HO over-head-valve, 597-cc, 28-hp, two-cylinder, air-cooled, gasoline

Transmission: Four-speed, foot / hand-change gearbox

Brakes: Mechanical

Length: 85-inches

Width: 32-inches

Height: 36-inches

Wheelbase: 55-inches

Weight: 452-pounds

Armor: None

Armament: None

Maximum speed: Approximately 75-mph

Crew: Up to two

Markings: German Army, Motorized Reconnaissance Unit

The Zundapp KS600 was introduced in 1937 and shared many features with the slightly smaller K500 introduced in 1933. They both had flat-twin engines and shaft drive as did most other Zundapp and BMW motorcycles built before and during World War II. The KS600 replaced the chain driven camshaft of the K500 with a gear driven system that necessitated changes to the valve gear and cylinder heads. These had rockers pivoting on shafts held to bearing pads and covers with fins to match the cylinder heads. The ignition coils were completely enclosed under the top cover along with the carburetor.

The carburetor supplied the fuel mixture via trunking to the cylinder heads on each side. The cover extended back over the gearbox. The gear change mechanism on the K500 was altered to provide a foot pedal on the left, while on the right, went a linkage rod from the selectors up to a hand lever on the frame beside the fuel tank. The longer cover necessitated moving the toolbox from under the seat to a compartment on the top side of the fuel tank covered by a lid. Most of the 18,000 Zundapp KS600s built between 1937 and 1941 were motorcycle / sidecar combinations. This example is a “solo.” The KS600 was the fastest German motorcycle of WW II.

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