Condor
Are you ready to time travel back to the origins of Condor motorcycles? Born from the Scheffer brothers' ambition in 1893, this Swiss motorcycle manufacturer embarked on an exhilarating journey that reverberates to this day, even if the Condor marque has since passed into history.
The tale commences with Edouard and Jules Scheffer, who launched their enterprise as a humble bicycle manufacturer, Scheffer Freres. Their factory, nestled in Courfaivre amidst the Swiss Jura mountains, was an ideal location due to its proximity to a river. This provided the necessary power for their early metalwork. With time and a little innovation, they began embedding 1.5-horsepower engines into their robust bicycle frames, heralding the dawn of their motorcycle manufacturing era.
In 1901, with the brand's identity evolving, the brothers shifted the company's name to the Manufacture Suisse des Cycles et Motos. However, due to its complicated pronunciation, they later simplified it to Condor-Werke Aktiengesellschaft or AG, reflecting Switzerland's trilingual cultural milieu.
Condor's unique approach to motorcycle manufacturing included sourcing engines from several suppliers, such as Zedel and Motosacoche Acacias Genève (MAG). This strategy enabled them to offer an expansive range of motorcycles by 1925, including 250cc singles and 998cc V-twins. As supply chain complications arose due to WWI, Condor pivoted towards crafting its own engines, drawing inspiration from admired designs, most notably the BMW R71 boxer.
The civilian segment saw some of Condor's creations as relatively pricey and hefty. However, Condor's enduring relationship with the Swiss military demonstrated their machines' robustness and dependability, the primary attributes sought in military-grade motorcycles.
In 1956, responding to the Swiss army's demand for lighter, more nimble motorcycles, Condor introduced the A250. Though initially intended to carry a Maserati engine, due to unforeseen circumstances, only 30 Maserati-powered A250s were produced. This setback didn't deter Condor, and they soon engineered their own 249cc single-cylinder engine, marking another significant milestone in their narrative.
One of Condor's most iconic creations was the A350, boasting a durable Ducati bevel-drive overhead camshaft single-cylinder engine. The A350, serving as a military workhorse, came with practical features such as robust saddlebags, rifle holders, and a matte-finish exhaust system to avoid glare. The design featured a rugged double-cradle frame and rubber motor mounts, underscoring Condor's prowess in chassis design.
Condor's journey concluded in 1978, with the production of approximately 3,000 A350 units. These stalwart machines continued to serve the Swiss Army until 2001, testifying to their robustness and reliability. Today, these historic motorcycles are coveted by collectors worldwide.
