This might be rarer than I first thought! It's for sure a German Dürkopp Diana. The maker presented their first scooter in 1953 and production started in 1954 for the Dürkopp Diana Standard. In 1959 it was replaced by Dürkopp Diana TS and Diana Sport, 175 cc and 10,8 hp and 198 cc and 12 hp. The headlamp had been moved from the handlebar to the horncast section up front. The singles saddles were also replaced by a bench saddle for two. Otherwise it retained the 12-volt electric system, kickstart and electric self-starter and 12 litres fuel tank.
All production of scooters, motorcycles and mopeds ended in 1961, the firm of Dürkopp then devoting their attention to the production of sewing machines and bearings. Far more lucrative I guess.
So the very nice Dürkopp Diana Info page claims that only 888 of the TS and Sport range was built!
So, the scruffy looking example here turned up recently in a collectors warehouse. No, I don't know if it's for sale, probably not, even if he isn't a scooter nut! Yes, there is a couple of Vespa there too, one faro basso and one Touring, the export model, VGL or VGLA.
If I want the Diana? I'm not particually fond of German scooters like Heinkel, Zündapp, Goggo et al and so on. Certainly nice in their own way, if I have to choose I stick to the Italians two big ones. And two Swedes...
But you never know!
The headline? It's a bad joke with alliteration and my weak knowledge of the German language.
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| Never mind the Vespas! This is a Dürkopp Diana TS, or Sport. |
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| The first Dürkopp Diana, started in 1954. |
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| Found this, hope it's ok to show it: a Diana TS! |
