German engineer Fritz Gosslau dies in Grünwald, Bavaria.
Better known for his work during WWII on the V-1 flying bomb (Fieseler Fi 103) an unmanned, explosive payload missile. After the war he turned his talents to motorcycles becoming the head designer for Durkopp in 1948.
Fritz Gosslau designed their most successful model, the MD150. Introduced in 1952, it featured a 150cc three-speed two-stroke engine with reverse circulation. The machine made 7.5 hp with a top speed of 56 mph. The MD150 is still considered by many to be amongst the best in German motorcycle history. There where 17,890 bikes sold in the period 1951-1954.
Fritz Gosslau designed their most successful model, the MD150. Introduced in 1952, it featured a 150cc three-speed two-stroke engine with reverse circulation. The machine made 7.5 hp with a top speed of 56 mph. The MD150 is still considered by many to be amongst the best in German motorcycle history. There where 17,890 bikes sold in the period 1951-1954.
In 1952 they introduced the MD200 with a 198cc two-stroke engine which increased the speed to 59 mph.
Many racing successes were contributed to the reputation of the MD150 / 200 models. Durkopp celebrated these motorcycles as the "fastest machines in its class."
