Mars was a factory for iron ovens in Nürnberg / Germany and later also built bicycles. In 1903 the company started to produce motorcycles and automobiles. Automobile production remained a brief episode which already ended in 1908. The manufacturing of motorcycles, however, was continued until the middle of the 1920s. The most famous model was the legendary “White Mars”. It was designed in 1920 by Claus Richard Franzenburg and built until 1925. Unknown to many, the ”White Mars” was also available in green and red painting.

This fantastic motorcycle, a milestone of motorcycle history, was powered by a 2-cylinder transverse boxer engine designed by Franzenburg and manufactured by Maybach in Friedrichshafen exclusively for Mars. A striking feature is the starting-handle which is required for starting of the engine. The air-cooled engine has a displacement of 956 ccm and an output of approx. 8 hp. The frame is made of welded and bolted sheet-steel. The motorcycle weighs about 140 kg and reaches a maximum speed of approx. 90 km/h.

The two Mars motorcycles on exhibit in the Technik Museum Sinsheim were restored by ”The Classic Bike Mike” Mike Kron from Krautheim- Klepsau. They are in perfect condition and look as if they had just left the factory halls in Nuremberg. They are absolute show-stoppers at every classic bike meeting.