Post Sale Update: This Tin Banana sold for $8,600 after 25 bids on eBay.
In 1961, Zweirad Union released the Type 115/155 – the name was dependent on if you got the Victoria or DKW model. At the time, those two firms were 2/3rds of the Union, the other company was Express. Whether it was the DKW or Victoria, this model became affectionately known as the Tin Banana.
Even in Europe they’re hard to find, but it’s extra difficult to source one in the US as they were never officially imported here. Mechanically, the bike had a 50cc engine that put out 4.2 horsepower. With a 3-speed transmission, this banana could spend all day at 45 miles per hour.
This example (VIN: 1152004449) is the nicest one I’ve had the pleasure of featuring. It’s said to be a one-owner bike (which somehow seems to ignore the current seller) that comes with the original German “title and paperwork”, plus the original customer service card. It’s a runner that’s in decent shape though there’s a couple of dents in the bodywork and the chrome shows 50+ years of wear. There’s no title, just a bill of sale. The seller is letting it go because he’s got another example that’s in the middle of being restored. I’ve seen previous restored examples sell for as low as $15,000 to as high as this $24,000 sale at a Mecum auction.
Find this Victoria for sale in West Palm Beach, Florida with bidding up to $6,900