“The Rolls-Royce of scooters,” built in Germany with four-stroke power.

SPECIFICATIONS

Manufacturer: Ernst Heinkel A.G.

Origin: Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, Germany

Production: 55,000

Motor: Heinkel 1-cyl, 4-stroke

Displacement: 174 cc

Power: 9.5 hp

Length: 6 ft. 7 in.

Identification No. 0236937

The Heinkel Tourist is the quintessential German touring scooter. It is heavier, more comfortable, and more stable than the typical Vespa, and it fits into an upscale class occupied by the Maicoletta, Contessa, and the larger Zündapp Bellas. In England, it was called “the Rolls-Royce of scooters.” Amongst a sea of two-strokes, it was virtually alone with its smooth, quiet four-stroke motor that did not trail blue smoke.

Now in its eighth year of production, through five models, the spectacular new Heinkel Tourist 103 A-2 made a splash. Its sleek tail echoed the American car styling of the time, making it look longer and lower. Up to this point, changes from one model to the next involved mostly technical refinements. The new engine hood, along with its comfortable bench seat, was easily removable for totally free access to the works.

This is a fine example of the type, restored in its correct Alabaster and Como Grey two-tone, and it is fitted out with a full complement of accessories, including a luggage rack with spare and the sought-after four-piece Ideal windshield. Today, the scooter enjoys a huge following, with the excellent Heinkel Club being amongst the largest in Europe.