Description
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.
