1958 Zündapp Janus

1958 Zündapp Janus

In the first decade after the Second World War, has long been established at Nuremberg Zündapp offered a wide range of two-wheelers from mopeds to heavy motorcycles. At the end of 1954, it became terribly obvious that people were ready for vehicle recovery and better weather the industry's entire motorcycle was in free fall.

Zündapp did well they could not afford a long process of development and could consider outside help. Kroboth Brütsch and efforts were considered too primitive and Fuldamobil hot. Dornier front / rear facing prototype was installed and was called the Roman god Janus, who faced both ways. He was quickly redesigned with Isetta-style doors and with the 250cc motor scooter Bella central location between the front / rear, front, seats fold flat. Much attention has been devoted to advanced MacPherson strut suspension very comfortable. Sliding glass side windows and rugged construction has contributed to an overall weight that was too much for the 14 hp engine and first examples barely reached 80 miles an hour. Production began in June 1957 - too late - after yet another redesign to lighten the car, replacing the Plexiglas side windows. 15,000 vehicles per year are needed to balance, but only 1731 were built during the first six months. Watch the landscape in the retreat of seats in the rain was not so exciting for customers, as first thought. By the summer of 1958, it was evident that the situation was untenable, and the plant was sold to Bosch. Few remain.

Manufacturer: Zündapp GmbH, Nuremberg, Germany
Model: 250 Janus Engine: 2 stroke Zündapp Body: Monocoque
Years of construction: June 1957 - October 1958 No. Cylinders: 1 Frame: None
Product No.: 6 902 Displacement: 248 cc Front suspension: struts Coil
No. Surviving: few Power: 14 Rear Suspension: Coil Damper
Duration: 2 860 millimeters Gearbox: 4 + rev Steering: rack
Width: 1 400 millimeters Starter: Dynastart Brakes: Hydraulic
Weight: 425 kg Electrics: 12 V 4-wheel: 4.40 x 12 "
Interior: 2 x Power Bench: Top speed: 80 km / h