Beschreibung:

Faced with having to build a new factory in Ingolstadt, its old Zschopau base having ended up in the newly established East Germany at the end of WW2, DKW took time to revive the racing programme that had enjoyed such success in the inter-war period. In the meantime, enthusiastic privateers flew the DKW flag with assistance from the factory, this collaboration being exemplified by the machine offered here, which was built (and ridden) by international racing motorcyclist, August Friem. Friem created his racer using a wartime engine and post-war frame featuring Jurisch plunger rear suspension and his own special caster-adjustable front fork, while DKW’s competitions department supplied precise tuning instructions for the motor. He competed on his DKW at the international DMV Rheinpokalrennen meeting on 10th May 1953 and at the Norisring on 12th July that same year, lining up alongside the future Austrian world champion, Rupert Hollaus. Friem’s DKW was last raced in 1955 before being acquired by the collector Thomas Behr and then by Professor Ehn, in whose workshop it was restored to original condition. The machine is offered with rail transport duty map, rider’s identity card, tuning instructions, race programme, covering letter and the seat’s original leather cover.