Simson Classic Cars for Sale

German manufacturers Simson, founded in 1854, began the production of their range of motorcycles in 1949. Plans for progress and innovation were often hindered by the East German authorities, but their classic, simply styled models, many with their distinctive 'lightning flash' badge, are instantly recognisable.

Simson And Autowelo

Simson's first model, the 425, had a 250cc engine, overhead valves and a duplex cradle frame with four speed transmission and was instantly popular throughout the Eastern Bloc. They were also known as the Awtowelo brand, the initials AWO appearing on the motorcycle badges from 1949 to 1955. The first thousand to roll off the production line were exported to the USSR. The Simson T, a tourer, and the Simson S sports model, which had a speed of 69mph/110kmh, sold up to 129,000 between 1955 and 1960. With Stoye sidecars and trailers available, the Simson motorcycle range provided economic transport for the home market.

Simson Competitions

Models specifically for competitions were based on the 425, but progress was slow with only fifteen of the AWO 425 being produced by 1953, but it was successful in the domestic GDR Championship from 1953-55. By 1958 it featured a new 250cc engine, wingarm rear suspension and a six speed transmission that proved to be fast in competition. A version was developed with a single cylinder 350cc engine for Motocross and Enduro competitions. Various modifications were made, making it a reliable choice in motorcycle clubs and by 1961, the Simson team had succeeded in several competitions. The Simson Eskorte, with a 350cc engine was introduced in 1957 and could reach a top speed of 81mph/130kmh. Plans to upgrade it to a four stroke engine were thwarted when government rules insisted that from 1962, all motorcycles had to remain as two strokes.

Simson Motorcycles And Mopeds

From the mid-fifties, Simson were also manufacturing mopeds, introducing the SR2 in 1957. A year later, the KR50 featured an integral legshield and the rear wheel was enclosed. The KR51 Schwalbe, or swallow, with a 50cc long stroke engine appeared in 1964 alongside the motorcycle styled SR4-1 Spatz (sparrow) and the SR4-2 Star. Production of the Spatz continued for six years and the Star lasted for eleven. The SR4-3 Sperber (sparrowhawk) was built from 1966-72, followed by the SR4-4 Habicht or hawk, from 1971-75. The new S50 appeared in various forms until 1980 when it was replaced by the S51 which continued until 1990. 1980's models included the S70, the SR50 and the 70cc SR80. Simson failed to modernise sufficiently after Unification in 1989 even though various models such as the S53, S83 and the 125cc Shikra (goshawk) were introduced, and finally slipped into liquidation in 2002.