1910 Dürkopp 8/18 PS Tourisme

1910 Dürkopp 8/18 PS Tourisme

With its origins in the production of sewing machines, Durkopp's business followed the path of other similar manufacturing enterprises in the early 19/20th century. First there was an attack on bicycles, and then a logical transition into the booming automobile industry in 1906. Over the next 20 years a variety of cars were produced, most fitting the 2-3 litre, four cylinder, four speed touring car model as offered today. Only by the end of the production of the car, a larger four- and even a six-cylinder model joined the range.

Over the next century, Durkopp continued engineering, better known for their motorcycles as well as the production of ball bearings, while remaining in the sewing business. Eventually, they merged with the Adler Company, not an engine manufacturer, but another sewing machine manufacturer in Bielefeld, having survived this century.

Durkopp claims an example of its 80x100 model, a 2-litre marked 8/18PS, believed to date from 1910.

Descriptions & pictures by bonhams