- Auctions
- The Iconic Sale at Race Retro 2026 - Motorcycles
- 1954 Zundapp KS601 592cc and Swallow Jet 80 Sidecar
1954 Zundapp KS601 592cc and Swallow Jet 80 Sidecar
Lot Number: 844
1954 Zundapp KS601 592cc and Swallow Jet 80 Sidecar
Both the motorcycle and sidecar were fully restored in Germany by the previous owner prior to acquisition. The engine kicks over with good compression. Offered with a comprehensive history file and will require recommissioning prior to returning to the road.
- ESTIMATE: £15,000 - £20,000
+ buyer's premium of 15% plus VAT (18% incl VAT)
You can choose to bid in the room, by phone, online or via commission.
LIVE AUCTION: This lot will be auctioned on Sunday 22nd February, 2026 at 11.00am local time at Stoneleigh Park, Stoneleigh Rd, Coventry, CV8 2LG
-
REG NUMBER
RAS 257
SUMMARY
Both the motorcycle and sidecar were fully restored in Germany by the previous owner prior to acquisition. The engine kicks over with good compression. Offered with a comprehensive history file and will require recommissioning prior to returning to the road.
DESCRIPTION
- Often regarded as one of the finest heavyweight motorcycles to emerge from post-war Germany, the Zündapp KS601 earned the nickname “Grüner Elefant” (Green Elephant) thanks to its size, strength, and remarkable durability. Designed for long-distance touring and sidecar work, it combined robust engineering with impressive performance, making it a favourite with both civilian riders and competition entrants.
- Manufactured by Zündapp, the KS601 was powered by a horizontally opposed twin-cylinder engine renowned for its torque and reliability, ideally suited to hauling a sidecar. This example is paired with the rare and highly desirable Swallow Jet 80 sidecar, a streamlined and period-correct companion that significantly enhances both the visual impact and historical interest of the outfit.
- The motorcycle was purchased by Robin Haigh in April 2003 from Georg Meinen in Germany, having previously been fully restored there by its former owner. The Swallow Jet 80 sidecar was restored at the same time, resulting in a well-presented combination. Since acquisition, the outfit has formed part of Haigh’s impressive private collection and has seen little use in recent years.
- Mechanically, the engine turns freely and kicks over with good compression. As with any machine that has been laid up, a thorough check-over will be required before a return to active road use.
- The accompanying history file includes purchase correspondence, a V5C, and a selection of expired MOT certificates.
- A rare opportunity to acquire a restored Zündapp KS601 complete with an equally rare Swallow Jet 80 sidecar — an evocative and imposing outfit that represents the very best of German post-war motorcycle engineering.
SPECIFICATION
- Lot Number
- 844
- Make
- ZUNDAPP
- Model
- KS601
- Registration Number
- RAS 257
- Frame Number
- 554556
- MOT Expiry
- Exempt
GALLERY
SPECIALIST
Rob Hubbard
- Managing Director & Principal Auctioneer
- 07775 511825
- rob@iconicauctioneers.com
For further information regarding this lot please contact Rob.
Email RobTelephone Rob
WhatsApp Rob
Please note all motorcycles must be out of the venue by 2pm on Monday 23 February due to venue restrictions. We will contact buyers after the sale to arrange either collection or transport with Moving Motorcycles.
Uplift by our motorcycle transport partners, Moving Motorcycles back to their storage facility in Northampton. £125 plus VAT. Storage will then be charged at £10 plus VAT per day.
You can obtain a quote online (see link below) or contact them on +44 (0) 1933 448555 for onward transport to you.
GET A QUOTE - click here
A classic car or motorcycle is a source of great pride and enjoyment but, whether your car or motorcycle is in storage or on the road, you’ll need a specialist insurance policy. We have partnered with Howden Insurance a leading insurance brokers with a team dedicated to classic cars and motorcycles. They cover a vast array of classic and vintage models and only work with insurers who provide a great service and share our passion for the classic motor industry.
For a personal classic car or classic motorcycle quote, visit:
www.howdeninsurance.co.uk/iconic-auctioneers
Newsletter Sign Up
Keyword Alerts
Would you like to receive personalised keyword alerts when new catalogues go live. If so, please indicate these below
Set a password to save your keyword alerts
Passwords are a minimum of 7 characters and must include an upper case letter, a lower case letter, a number and a special character.
Newsletter
