Estimated Price: £3,000 - £5,000

• At the close of the 1954 racing season, NSU announced its withdrawal from factory competition, seemingly leaving a void in the fiercely contested 250cc class. That gap was short-lived, however, as the marque simultaneously revealed a new single-cylinder racer intended specifically for privateer use: the Type 251 RS, better known as the Supermax.
• Prototypes of the Supermax first appeared at the Monjuïc Park Spanish Grand Prix in late 1953, with development continuing throughout 1954. By the time production machines became available for the 1955 season, the specification was formidable. Displacing 247cc with engine dimensions of 69mm x 66mm, the short-stroke single employed a high 9.8:1 compression ratio to deliver a claimed 28bhp at 9,000rpm. Fuel and air were supplied via an Amal GP carburettor, with power transmitted through a geared primary drive to a 4-speed in-unit gearbox
• Derived from the Max and Spezialmax, the Supermax differed in many significant areas, most notably its frame and suspension. The earlier cantilever rear suspension was replaced in 1956 by a more conventional swinging-arm arrangement with twin rear shock absorbers, further improving handling and durability. The design retained NSU’s highly distinctive pressed-steel rolling chassis and the advanced overhead-camshaft engine, driven by Albert Roder’s ingenious system of reciprocating rods — a hallmark of NSU engineering ingenuity
• Commanding enormous respect both in Germany and internationally, the Supermax quickly earned a reputation for combining high performance with excellent reliability, making it a favourite among privateers throughout the latter half of the 1950s
• The example offered here was purchased by Robin Haigh in 2001 and registered for a V5C. Period images on file confirm that the motorcycle was unrestored at the time of purchase, before being sympathetically restored during his ownership. Today it remains in very honest and unspoilt condition. The accompanying history file includes a dating letter, V5C, original sales brochure, and a selection of expired MOT certificates
• Having been unused for a number of years, the Supermax will benefit from careful recommissioning before returning to active use. A rare and technically fascinating racing-derived motorcycle, this is a compelling opportunity to acquire one of the most respected 250cc machines of its era