The term “universal genius” fits Ernst Neumann-Neander like few others. He was an artist, designer, cabaret artist, entrepreneur, racing driver and engineer. The ingenious motorcycle Motoclub connects him to Opel. The Opel Motoclub was built from 1928 to 1930 and was unique due to its innovative frame made of pressed sheet steel. Neumann-Neander came up with this type of construction. With the new technology, Opel succeeded in reducing the assembly time of a motorcycle from the usual 15 to 25 hours to around four hours – a revolution in motorcycle construction. This enabled Opel to establish an excellent product at an attractive price in a very short time. Similar to the Opel 4/12 PS “Laubfrosch”, the first German car off the assembly line, Opel made individual mobility affordable for many.
In 1928, Opel presented the Motoclub at the International Automobile and Motorcycle Exhibition in Berlin. The chassis is still original Neander.
To person
Ernst Neumann was born 150 years ago, on September 3, 1871, in Kassel. As a 19-year-old, he successfully competed in high-bike races. The first professional stations are activities as a caricaturist and illustrator. In addition to his Art Nouveau artistic activities, which in 1901/1902 also included appearances as a cabaret artist with the Munich ensemble “Die 11 Scharfrichter”, he is always accompanied by a passion for speed and technology. His first self-made motorcycle was built in 1904. With it he competed in mountain and long-distance races, such as Paris – Rome – Paris.
This recording by Ernst Neumann-Neander with his design was made around 1928.
Founded in 1908
Ernst Neumann-Neander founded the advertising agency “Ateliers Ernst Neumann for Modern Advertising” in Berlin, whose customers include well-known industrial companies. Shortly thereafter, he expanded his work to include body design. Until the 1920s he designed molds for the coachbuilders Kellner, Papler, Schebera, Szawe and the Hessian company Kruck, which worked closely with Opel.
Opel secures an exclusive license
After the First World War, Neumann took the stage name “Neumann-Neander” (Neander = “The New Man” in ancient Greek). The focus of his work is now the design and manufacture of motorcycles under the name “Neander”. In addition to elegant design, lightweight construction, driving comfort and unconventional technical solutions characterize his style. In 1924, N2 – which is now its nickname – received first prize in the inventors’ competition in Stuttgart “in all categories for the most valuable improvements to the motorcycle”. During this time, he was also a guest at the Rüsselsheim Opel racetrack, where the young Fritz von Opel was the host. The grandson of company founder Adam Opel and Neumann-Neander agree on an exclusive license in September 1928: The successful Neander steel press model is to be produced and sold as Opel with immediate effect.
The famous steel press frame was the basis of the Opel Motoclub, which was built from 1928 to 1930.
The Opel Motoclub T with 500 cc accelerates up to 105 km / h.
Heinrich Kruck, from 1894 to 1962 junior manager of the Kruck-Werke, and his wife take a seat in a Neander.
The “best lying machine in the world” (Neander advertisement) gets its own five hundred single-cylinder engine in two power levels from Opel, the model Tour (“T”) with 16 HP and the model Supersport (“SS”) with 22 HP. The modern look is determined by the matt silver of the galvanized, unpainted metal, contrasted by a red saddle, red attachments and even red tires. The new model is launched under the name “Motoclub” with a large advertising campaign. It is about ten percent cheaper than comparable Neander types that are still being built. Neander also manufactures a sidecar called “Pionier”, which is recommended by Opel for trailer operation and is available from many Opel dealers.
The economic crisis brings an abrupt end
The global economic crisis of 1929 brought the Neander company and the Opel Motoclub to an abrupt end in the following year. While Opel was able to consolidate its status as the most successful German car brand in the economically difficult years, the now 60-year-old N2 is withdrawing step by step as an entrepreneur. His best-known late construction work are the unconventional four-wheeled “driving machines” from the years 1934 to 1939. These lightweight racing cars are a mixture of motorcycle and automobile and achieve notable successes in motorsport.
Many of the timelessly beautiful motifs by Neumann-Leander like this one for the Kruck-Werke are still preserved.
This also includes this automobile design (above, around 1911) and the poster for SoSa tennis balls from 1908 (right).
Ernst Neumann-Neander
leaves behind a diverse work. The Opel Classic collection houses a 1928 “Supersport” that is ready to drive.
Ernst Neumann-Neander died on November 13, 1954 at the age of 83 in Düren. He leaves behind an extraordinary and diverse work. The Opel Motoclub is a small part of it. The Opel Classic collection in Rüsselsheim still has a 1928 “Supersport” ready to drive. The universal genius N2 will be remembered with this extraordinary motorcycle – especially on his 150th birthday.
August 2021
Text: Leif Rohwedder, photos: Opel