Description
Heinkel switched to scooter and bubble car production after WW2 and one of its most successful two-wheeled products was the Tourist scooter. It was an upmarket scooter being more expensive than a Vespa or a Lambretta, while also being a little heavier, more comfortable and more stable. It was available with a speedometer, a steering lock, a clock, a luggage carrier and a spare wheel. It was referred to in England as “The Rolls-Royce of Scooters” and was advertised by a US dealer as “The Cadillac of Scooters”.
Production of the 103 A1 series began in September 1957. The tubular handlebars of previous 149cc A0 series were replaced by a cast handlebar containing an instrument panel, while the OHV 4-stroke engine was now 174cc with a two-bearing crankshaft and rubber-mounted in the frame. 50,050 Tourist 103 A1s were built before production ended in June 1960.
This striking example was restored by a specialist in 2006. Finished in 2-tone cream and claret, this Heinkel Tourist is in lovely condition. It comes to sale with its German registration paper and owner’s manual.
