1957 Zundapp Bella R203 Scooter and Steib RS1 Sidecar
**THIS VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY SELLING ON A BRING-A-TRAILER ONLINE AUCTION. THE AUCTION ENDS ON WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 29TH AT 5:54PM EASTERN TIME. IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE PLEASE REGISTER DIRECTLY WITH BRING-A-TRAILER. IT’S A QUICK AND SIMPLE PROCESS. THANK YOU AND GOOD LUCK!**
This authentic 1957 Zundapp Bella R203 Scooter and authentic Steib RS1 Sidecar is the ultimate combination that is seldom seen. Many enthusiasts reference the Zundapp Bella as “The World’s Best Scooter” and the Steib Sidecar as “The World’s Best Sidecar”. Finding a Zundapp Bella R203 Scooter with authentic Steib RS1 Sidecar is extremely rare. It’s truly a match made in heaven. The Scooter and Sidecar have both been completely restored and are in show quality condition. Zundapp was a major German motorcycle and machine tool manufacturer that was founded in 1917. After WWII, Zundapp refocused its product line from aircraft engines and motorcycles to smaller machines such as the Bella Scooter. The Zundapp Bella was manufactured from 1953 to 1964 and was imported to the US market by the International Motorcycle Company. Approximately 130,000 Bella Scooters were sold worldwide. The Bella was offered in two models including the 150cc and 200cc. Based on the Parilla Greyhound Design, the Scooter featured prominent air tunnels to allow fresh air to cool the engine without a fan on both models. The German design and engineering resulted in a stronger frame, mid-mounted engine, 4-speed transmission, electric start and larger wheels which outshined the competition. Steib was a company from Germany who manufactured sidecars and was also known for high quality. The firm was founded in 1914 by Josef Steib Senior and began making sidecars in 1928 following a commission from the motorcycle manufacturer Ardie. The company reached its peak in the 1950s when it claimed to manufacture 92% of all sidecars sold in Germany and the sidecars were the standard model offered with BMW motorcycles. Steib designed, manufactured and tailored the RS1 model specifically for the Zundapp Bella Scooter. Steib closed in 1957 and Zundapp closed in 1984. From the information gathered this 1957 Zundapp Bella R203 Scooter serial #R112677 and Steib RS1 Sidecar serial #44031 were discovered in a barn California many years ago. At some point the two were separated and then recently rejoined by Lars E. Arnell who lives in Carmel, IN. He first found the Bella Scooter in Massachusetts and then found the Steib Sidecar in Ohio after further investigation. He completed the restoration of Scooter and Sidecar in 2021. They were both stripped and re-finished in the original color of Red which dresses them perfectly. The paint was recently detailed to a show quality shine. The correct Bella name emblem and upside down flower on the front fascia really pops with the red color. During the meticulous nut and bolt restoration of both pieces everything was restored or replaced. Some examples would be the plastic shields and braces, handle bars, mirror, grips, headlight, horn, bright work, red upholstery, red saddle bags, wood, marker lights, taillight, wheels and tires. The original matching numbers 200cc two-stroke engine was completely rebuilt. This engine was factory rated with 10HP and a top speed of 75MPH. The engine runs and sounds excellent through the chrome exhaust pipe. The engine is coupled to a 4-speed manual transmission that was also completely rebuilt. The tubular steel frame was refinished in black. All of the wiring, suspension components and braking system was also restored or replaced. The Scooter retains its original matching numbers serial tag, engine stamp number and frame stamp number. The Sidecar retains its original manufacture tag and casting stamp. Based on the serial number the Stieb RS1 Sidecar is either a 1956 or 1957 model. An extra plastic shield and two interior panels for the sidecar are included. This rare Scooter and Sidecar look and drive excellent especially considering their both 64 years old. This is truly a great opportunity!
**PLEASE CALL MS CLASSIC CARS OWNER MARC SCHILIRO FOR A VERY ACCURATE VERBAL DESCRIPTION OF THIS VEHICLE**
***MS CLASSIC CARS only purchases number one and number two condition classic vehicles. We service and detail every vehicle unlike most classic vehicles that are currently being advertised for sale. MS CLASSIC CARS invested a total of $2,375.55 servicing and detailing this vehicle. This is documented with an invoice pictured below. We’re the only classic car dealership in the country that does this. Please understand every vehicle needs something. Some vehicles just need a lot more than others. At MS CLASSIC CARS we take eliminate the surprises. We’ll let the photos do the rest of the talking. ***
