Before having a casual barbecue in the section chief’s backyard, he mentioned visiting a private museum in the neighborhood, so I decided to check it out. To my surprise, it turned out to be a Zündapp paradise. Covering Zündapp motorcycles from the first model in 1923 to the final ones before bankruptcy in the 1980s, there were likely hundreds on display. The collection included North American models, military sidecars, automobiles, outboard motors, aircraft engines, and even sewing machines, all meticulously restored, showcasing the owner’s passion for Zündapp. In addition to Zündapp, there were also BMW, DKW, and other brands lined up.
While the owner explained the exhibits, I couldn’t help but feel a bit uncomfortable hearing phrases like “Japanese and Italian manufacturers…” several times. As a Japanese, I felt a bit sorry understanding their success was one major reason of death of Zündapp. The beautifully green sidecar had a license plate, and its engine started immediately, demonstrating its operational condition. The museum was divided into half motorcycle-related exhibits and half displays depicting life from around 100 years ago, with both the owner and his wife providing explanations.
Since I was with a colleague, we had to leave after about an hour and a half, leaving me with a sense of regret. I would love to revisit, but the language barrier poses a challenge. It’s fortunate that such a place exists in the outskirts of the small town where our company is located. I asked my colleague if there might be eccentric old men like this in every German town, and he assured me that it’s not the case.
Indeed, the lineup of Zündapp motorcycles from the early days of its inception was quite impressive. In the early years, they still featured single-cylinder engines, and it wasn’t until around the 1930s that they transitioned to horizontally opposed engines.Grandpa went all out! He even started the engine of the Zündapp with a sidecar. By the way, at the tip of the sleek and torpedo-like sidecar, there was the word “Schteif.” It seems it was made by a different manufacturer, adding an interesting touch to the setup.The sign of WC was unnecessary, but the surprise I felt when I saw the wooden door open was something else. They seem to have a variety of old German motorcycles, including BMW, DKW, and others. Interestingly, I also discovered a Suzuki hidden under a cover.Janus 750 has doors both in the front and rear. The steering column is laterally supported, allowing convenient access without obstruction when getting in and out. On the side of the vehicle, you can see the gasoline filling port in the center of the photo, beneath which the engine is quietly tucked away.The gearshift lever popping out in such a prominent place adds a distinctive touch. The mechanical and robust design is quite appealing. It seems like it was still the era of two-speed transmissions.“Wait, what’s this?” I thought, and it turned out to be the engine from a Goliath. A 2-stroke, 2-cylinder, 700cc engine. It seems Goliath ended production with around 6,000 units in stock at the end of the war, so the engine might not be extremely rare. Interestingly, someone in Poland who made a replica Goliath also used the actual engine.Goliath is a remote-controlled bomb tank used by the German military. The thick file must be packed with extensive documentation in German about the Goliath.Engine for airplane. Photos of the airplanes can be seen behind it.Is what’s above a lawnmower or a generator? Even a sewing machine…It looks like this from the outside. The white one in the front is filled with motorcycles. The second floor of the barn on the left is recreated as a residence, with sidecars, toys, and agricultural machinery below. The shed on the right, labeled “VVW,” has been turned into a bread baking workshop.For those who recognize it by the fan-like exhaust, it’s a military KS750 sidecar. I was excitedly talking to a German colleague, saying, “I made a plastic model of this one!” But then I realized it’s been about 45 years since I built it. Even when I saw it at the Munster Tank Museum last year, I was thrilled and excited, but to think it’s right nearby too!This is the corner that broke through the second floor of the barn, creating a kind of living museum section. It seems quite interesting in its own way, doesn’t it?One corner of the barn has been transformed into a workshop scene from the past. There are sewing machines, shoe manufacturing and repair tools—basically, a variety of crafts and activities from that era.There are even old bicycles, and this one is made by NSU! They were making bicycles too, huh?When I rely on the car navigation system and drive from the town, it guides me to places like this. I drive with a bit of anxiety, wondering if it really leads somewhere.
There are many photos taken in that museum. Please click the link to the gallery.
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