Three-up Bohmerland motorcycle to be auctioned in US
The motorcycle, a 1935 Bohmerland 'Langtouren' is unique in that it featured three-up seating and rear-mounted twin fuel tanks.
Bohmerland (also known as Czechie) motorcycles were produced in Czechoslovakia from 1925 until the outbreak of World War II in 1939. They were notable for having the longest ever motorcycle wheelbase, at 10.5 feet, which was part of the unconventional design by Czech designer, Albin Liebisch.
In the period prior to World War II, the automobile was beyond the financial reach of the average European family, so as in the UK, motorcycles with sidecars were commonplace as family transport. Rather than equip existing motorcycles with sidecars, Liebisch embarked on a different philosophy, creating three and even four seat solo motorcycles sold in under the Böhmerland brand.
The Langtouren (long touring) was a three seater with two gearboxes, the second one requiring a passenger to change gears. The frame was tubular steel, and the forks were unusual in that, although they were leading-link, the suspension was by springs under tension. Solid wheels cast from light alloy have become commonplace, but they were novel when the Bohmerland featured them for the first time on a motorcycle.
A three-seater, as featured here, was one of the longest Bohmerlands available, but not the one with the greatest carrying capacity. Sidecar-equipped versions of the longest Bohmerlands could theoretically carry up to five people! The Bohmerland is also unusual in that it has two fuel tanks mounted not over the engine in conventional fashion, but one on each side of the rear wheel.
Restored, this bike retains its original 600cc 'Liebisch' single cylinder OHV engine, and has been repainted in what seems to have been the typical Bohmerland colours of maroon and yellow
The last Bohmerland to show up on the auction charts was a 1937 example, which sold at a Bonhams auction in the UK in February 2010 for _36,150 pounds (AU$54,700). No reserve has been listed for the 1935 example listed with Mid America Auctions, but expect it to comfortably reach the _40,000 (AU$60,000) mark.
Aside from the "odd" factor, the Bohmerland also appeals given its rarity. With many examples destroyed during World War II and afterward, only around 30 of these rare machines are thought to exist today.
One for the serious motorcycle collector, the Bohmerland will join over 500 other rare, significant and classic motorcycles in the Mid America Auctions event. Motorcycles and memorabilia from Steve McQueen will also feature at the auction, where Barbara McQueen will be a guest of honour.
The MidAmerica Auctions Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction is scheduled for January 12 - 14 at the South Point Hotel Events Center, Las Vegas.
For more details on this and other lots from the auction, go to www.midamericaauctions.com