Horex Imperator 400 | 1955 Highlights: – 400 cc parallel-twin engine with overhead camshaft – 100 km indicated on odometer – Valid roadworthiness inspection – Silver tank with red accents and black cycle parts The seller offers for sale this 1955 Horex Imperator 400, powered by a 400 cc parallel-twin engine. This Imperator presents itself in the classic Horex livery, with a silver fuel tank set off by red accents and the chrome winged Horex badge, combined with black mudguards, a black frame and a black dual seat with contrasting piping. Plenty of polished chrome and alloy catch the eye, from the twin exhaust system and the characteristic engine casings to the wire-spoked wheels and the elegant headlamp nacelle with its integrated speedometer. The odometer indicates 100 km, and the motorcycle carries a valid roadworthiness inspection. With its well-balanced proportions, deeply valanced front mudguard and generous seat, this Imperator captures the understated sophistication of mid-fifties German motorcycle design, and in its good condition it offers an appealing opportunity to own one of the most interesting twins of its era. Horex was founded in Bad Homburg, near Frankfurt, and in the years after the Second World War grew into one of the most respected names in the German motorcycle industry, above all thanks to the hugely successful Regina single. With the Imperator the company aimed higher. Introduced in the first half of the fifties, it was among the first German production motorcycles to combine a parallel-twin layout with an overhead camshaft, a technically ambitious design at a time when most rivals still relied on pushrods. The result was a refined, smooth and eager touring machine that positioned Horex at the forefront of German engineering and underlined the brand’s ambitions in the premium segment. Production volumes remained modest, as the German motorcycle market contracted sharply in the second half of the decade, which makes surviving examples all the more sought after today. For collectors of German classics, the Imperator represents the high point of the Horex story: advanced, handsome and rare, a motorcycle that is as rewarding to admire as it is to ride. Condition of the bodywork & paint 4 — Very Good. Clean with minimal wear; might need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts. Technical condition 4 — Very Good. Mechanically solid, with potential for minor servicing. Overall condition 4 — Very Good. Displays only minimal wear and can hit the road any time. This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only. We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment. All auction vehicles offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid. Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction. This vehicle comes from a private collection and is currently located in the state of Bavaria, Germany. This vehicle drives, brakes and shifts. The vehicle has a German registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction. The description of this vehicle is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the vehicle from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy. Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible motorcycles to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy. Read more