Beschreibung:

Heinkel Flugzeugwerke's Tourist scooter was launched on to the export market in November 1955 and withdrawn ten years later. As might be expected from a German aircraft manufacturer, the machine was very thoroughly engineered, with an OHV 4-stroke engine derived from the company's bubble-car, fan-cooling, electric dynamotor starting and under-seat luggage compartment, then rare on scooters. All this came at a price and the 'Tourist' was expensive when compared to the Italian ranges which limited foreign sales, making survivors scarce. Promoted on the East Coast of the US at one time as 'The Cadillac of Scooters,' it was indeed a quality item. The Tourist had a frame of steel tubes to which pressed steel panels were fixed. The 4-stroke motor (later with electric start and 174cc) and a 4-speed transmission was under the seat and its rear drive chain was sealed in an oil bath, unable to coat either the riders or the bike itself. This 103 A-1 scooter was launched in September 1957, the model run ending in June 1960 after 50,050 units had been built although it is surmised that only 350 were sold in the USA. What was particularly special was the cast handlebar with incorporated instrument panel and rubber mounts for the engine. This example appears to have been thoroughly restored and re-finished in probably original colors. Recommended for the vintage scooter enthusiast, little is known about this bike's provenance.