BMW 600 Kompressor Walter Zeller 1958 factory gift motorcycle photo photograph

Description

A superb and rare image of perhaps the most rare and special BMW ever made: Walter Zeller’s goodbye gift from 1958. Despite requests from kings, shahs and sheiks, BMW never wanted to make a one-off motorcycle for a customer. For Walter Zeller, long time BMW employee and one of the most successful BMW roadracers ever, they made an exception. In the fall of 1958, two years after his magnificent 2
nd
place in the 500cc world championship, he retired to concentrate on his family business. BMW decided to honor him by presenting him a very special gift on his farewell party. Zeller received a 589,5cc twin cylinder Boxer BMW Kompressor. A true racebike, yet street legal.
The bike was designed under the supervision of Alexander von Falkenhausen, BMW’s technical director at the time. He had the bike build around the engine that was used by Max Klankermeier in the 600cc sidecarclass of the German National Championship of 1949. The homologation papers show a power output of 40 hp. This is not a true figure, but stated by BMW to prevent homologation problems because of the actual power output that laid closer to 60 hp. Zeller’s gift did not have a kickstarter. The bike was bump-start only. Who cares, right? The bike also did not have a generator. After about ah half hour drive the lights went off automatically, as the 6 Volt battery simply ran empty. The Bosch magneto did not have that problem, off course. Ready to ride, with fuel, oil and a battery, this magnificent machine weighed in at only
384 lbs
(
176 kg
).
It is a very nice
non period
photo, that reflects a wonderful moment of BMW’s rich motorcycling history in a wonderful way. This is your rare chance to own this photo, therefore it is printed in a nice large format of ca. 8" x 12" (ca.
20 cm
x
30 cm
).
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Shipping costs will only be $ 7.00 regardless of how many photos you buy.   For 5 or more photos, shipping is free!
(Note: A. Herl, Inc. does not appear on photo, for ebay purposes only)
No copyright expressed or implied. Sold as collectable item only. We are clearing out our archives that we have gathered from various sources.
All items always sent well protected in PVC clear files
and board backed envelopes.
We have photographs that came from professional collections and/or were bought from the original photographer or press studio! They are all of professional and excellent quality.
After many decades of professionally collecting photographs and posters we are clearing out our archives. They make the perfect gift and are perfectly suited for framing. They will look gorgeous unframed and will be a true asset nicely framed with a border. They are a gorgeous and great asset in every home, workshop, workplace, restaurant, bar or club!
First come - first served. And you can always contact us for your requests. Please ask any questions before the auction ends.