NSU 1907 3½hp 500cc 2 cyl aiv

SOLD

Description

NSU  1907    3½ HP      ca.  500 cc    IOE V–twin  with forecar   engine # 9497

The company started as a knitting machine manufacturer ( Neckarsulmer Strickmaschinen Union)  and went into the bicycle trade in 1886.
 It was a logic step to move into motorcycle production and in 1901 the first motorised NSU bicycle with Zédel  clip on engine was produced. Soon the development and production of   the company’s own engines  were taken up and  within a few years NSU was making its own power units and was one of the first manufacturers to fit two-speed transmission. 
Designed by its late founder's son, Karl Schmidt, the first all-NSU model of 1903 was powered by a 329cc engine rated at 2½hp and would turn out to be a huge success by the standards of the day, in excess of 2,000 being sold up to 1905. 
A host of different models was introduced up to the outbreak of the great war, including a range of v-twins in various sizes. 
The marque established a strong presence in overseas markets, being exported widely throughout Europe and even to the USA and Australia. 
Prior to WWI, NSU ranked second only to Indian among imported makes in the UK.  
This 3 ½  HP model is equipped with the practical NSU two speed gear incorporated in the engine pulley. 
An interesting detail is the engine-driven cooling fan. 
The 1907 forecars were available in both wood and cane  and cost an extra 50% of the motorcycle’s price. 
This rare forecar spent a long time in a museum and  has been restored a number of years ago.