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c.1955 NSU Sportmax Replica 250cc

Lot Number: 852

c.1955 NSU Sportmax Replica 250cc

NSU Sportmax–style 250cc racer, built as a faithful race replica using many original Sportmax components including a tuned NSU Max engine. Unused for some time and will require recommissioning prior to active use. No registration documents.

ESTIMATE: £4,000 - £6,000

+ 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
N/A

SUMMARY

DESCRIPTION

In an effort to deflect criticism following its withdrawal from works Grand Prix racing at the end of the 1954 season, NSU announced that a racing version of its Max roadster would be made available to privateers. The result was the Sportmax — a machine that, from the opening round of the 1955 season, was widely regarded as the fastest over-the-counter 250cc racer money could buy.
The Sportmax proved immediately successful at the very highest level. In works-supported hands it carried veteran ace Hermann Müller to the 1955 250cc World Championship, while for private entrants it offered a rare blend of outright performance and robust reliability. Throughout the mid- to late-1950s it was ridden by many of the era’s leading names, including John Surtees, Sammy Miller, Pierre Monneret, and former NSU works rider Hans Baltisburger. Later in the decade, an ex-Surtees Sportmax was campaigned to spectacular effect by a young Mike Hailwood, underlining the design’s enduring competitiveness well into the 1960s
Unfortunately, little is known about the early history of the machine offered here. Robin Haigh purchased it around the year 2000 and it has remained in his collection ever since. It is believed to have been constructed as a Sportmax race replica, closely following original factory practice and incorporating numerous genuine Sportmax components. The frame is unnumbered. Notable features include a handmade aluminium-alloy fuel tank believed to be original, period-style aluminium mudguards and seat unit, and attractive alloy wheel rims that further enhance its purposeful competition appearance
Power is supplied by a tuned NSU Max engine, #3236545 and, according to a handwritten note on file, 'she goes like a rocket'. While unused for some time and now requiring careful recommissioning before any active use, the motorcycle presents as a highly evocative and visually striking tribute to one of the most important privateer racers of the 1950s
A compelling opportunity to acquire a Sportmax-style NSU racer, rich in period detail and competition character, recalling a golden era when privateers could buy — and win with — the very best

SPECIFICATION

Lot Number: 852
Make: NSU SPORTSMAX
Model: REPLICA
Registration Number: N/A
Frame Number: Not Found
Engine Number: 3236545

GALLERY

SPECIALIST

Rob Hubbard
Managing Director & Principal Auctioneer
07775 511825
rob@iconicauctioneers.com

For further information regarding this lot please contact Rob.

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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.

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