Lot 8615

Description

The small HK 101 tracked motorcycle was the Wehrmacht's smallest half-track prime mover designed for difficult terrain, narrow passages, and steep gradients—serving as a replacement for the horses and other draft animals commonly used by the Wehrmacht at the time. Its open-topped sheet-steel hull accommodated the driver, two 21-liter fuel tanks (one on each side), two rear seats, a front fork with a wheel (similar to a motorcycle), a tracked drive system, and a rear hitch for the specialized single-axle trailer known as the Sonderanhänger 1 (Sd. Ah. 1). Since NSU, as a motorcycle manufacturer, lacked a suitable engine, the 36 hp, 1.5-liter engine from the Opel Olympia was installed, enabling the vehicle to reach speeds of approximately 70 km/h. Around 8,800 units were produced during the war. This specific vehicle comes from a post-war production run of approximately 550 units, manufactured with the approval of the US military government for use in agriculture and forestry. The data plate on the dashboard indicates a 1947 year of manufacture and chassis number 278, matching the number stamped on the steering head. The vehicle's bodywork shows clear signs of heavy use, which have merely been painted over. It was converted to resemble a wartime model and painted sand-colored. The position lights on the fenders are missing, and a Notek blackout headlight was installed in place of the standard 130 mm headlight required for road registration. The interior of the battery box was modified to accommodate a different battery. According to its serial number, the matching Opel engine dates back to 1940. The sheet-metal instrument housing is missing. This is a typical older restoration featuring custom-made parts; additions include the central rear “tower,” the side railing, and the bench seat. The electrical system is merely makeshift. The left drive wheel has been incorrectly mounted, and components such as the small drive rollers, the fan drive shaft coupling, and others are heavily worn and require replacement. The vehicle spent a long period on display in a hall and was used only occasionally for demonstration runs. The engine was successfully started using an external battery and fuel supply; however, no test drive was conducted. A new German registration document (serving as proof of ownership) and the key are included. The mileage is unknown. Due to the long period of inactivity, the vehicle shows signs of corrosion; a full fluid change, fuel tank cleaning, and a major service - specifically greasing the approximately 100 lubrication points/nipples - are recommended. Completeness and functionality have not been verified. The vehicle is being sold as a restoration project; it is not roadworthy and must be collected via trailer. Location: Grasbrunn, near Munich.

Condition: III + Questions about the lot?