Visionary Machine - Seeing the Mars A20 antique motorcycle today feels like stepping into a different rhythm of engineering history, where machines were not just built for function but also carried a bold sense of experimentation. Among the many early European two-wheelers that shaped the foundation of modern motorcycling, the Mars A20 antique motorcycle stands out as a rare glimpse into how far design thinking had already evolved in the early 20th century. Its presence reflects a period when innovation was still raw, yet surprisingly ambitious, especially in Germany’s rapidly growing industrial landscape.
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| 1921 Mars A20 White Mars. (Picture from: Yesterdays.nl) |
The story behind the Mars A20 begins long before motorcycles became the company’s focus. In 1873, Paul Reissmann established Mars in Nuremberg, Germany, initially as a manufacturer of iron stoves and furnaces. Over time, the company expanded its expertise into producing mechanical sirens, grinding machines, and even bicycles, gradually building a strong foundation in mechanical engineering. This steady transformation from household heating products to precision machinery set the stage for Mars to eventually step into the automotive world.
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| 1921 Mars A20 White Mars already has a protective wing to avoid the rider's feet and from water splashes. (Picture from: Yesterdays.nl) |
By 1903, Mars had already started experimenting with motorcycles and small car construction, marking a significant turning point in its industrial journey. Among its most remarkable creations emerged the Mars A20, also known as the Weiße Mars or “White Mars,” designed in 1920 by engineer Claus Franzenburger. While the white version became the most iconic, the motorcycle was also available in red and green variations, each reflecting a slightly different visual personality but sharing the same engineering spirit that defined Mars’ approach to design during that era.
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| 1921 Mars A20 White Mars uses a Maybach's boxer twin engine that has a capacity of 955 cc.(Picture from: Yesterdays.nl) |
Technically, the Mars A20 antique motorcycle was powered by a Maybach boxer twin engine with a displacement of 955 cc, an impressive specification for its time. Despite its relatively modest output—estimated at around 7 horsepower at the wheel and approximately 12 horsepower at the crankshaft—the machine was built with intention and balance rather than brute force. Its pressed steel frame gave it a futuristic silhouette, setting it apart from many contemporaries that still relied on more traditional construction methods, and reinforcing its reputation as a forward-thinking machine.
However, like many ambitious engineering ventures of the early automotive age, Mars faced challenges beyond design and innovation. The economic instability brought by the inflation crisis around 1923 to 1924 placed significant pressure on the company, gradually weakening its financial foundation. Although Mars continued operating for decades afterward, it eventually ceased production in 1958. Today, the Mars A20 antique motorcycle remains a fascinating reminder of an era when engineering companies were still defining what mobility could become, and its legacy continues to resonate with collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate the roots of motorcycle evolution.
Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive with the true safety riding. God will forgive Your sins.... *** [EKA [30122019] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | YESTERDAYS.NL ]
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