Faka: German historic scooters from 1953 to 1956
FAKA: a short but powerful brand from Germany, is one of those forgotten names in the world of vintage scooters. Despite its relatively short production period of only three years (1953-1956), the brand played an important role in the early development of scooters with unusual design and technical innovations.
FAKA Commodore
Germany
1954
Fahrzeugfabrik Kannenberg
FAKA was the product of Fahrzeugfabrik Kannenberg, a factory located in Salzgitter-Bad, Germany.
The company focused on producing scooters and motorbikes, but became best known for its exceptionally designed scooters.
Designs and innovations
In 1953, the Faka factory in Salzgitter-Bad (Germany) took over production of the Walba scooter after Dr Walter Baibachewski ran into financial difficulties.
The first FAKA scooters were therefore "Re-badged Walba's"
The very attractive scooters had an unusual rear suspension system where the engine moved down when the wheel went up, resulting in improved handling and ride comfort. The FAKA Commodore was powered by an ILO 192cc two-stroke engine that produced a healthy 9.5 hp and reached a top speed of over 90 km/h, and also had hydraulic brakes.
FAKA scooters were produced between 1953 and 1956. They were equipped with ILO engines, a brand known for its reliability and efficiency. The scooters were fully enclosed, which meant they were less vulnerable to weather conditions and easier to maintain compared to some other open scooters of the time.
The design: Louis Lepoix
What makes the FAKA scooters extra special is the space-aged design with an erzatz jet air intake under the seat. Both the FAKA and Walba scooters were designed by renowned industrial designer Louis Lepoix, who had a great influence on the design of motor vehicles at the time. Lepoix was known for its functional yet aesthetically pleasing designs, which combined both technical innovation and visual appeal. This gave FAKA scooters not only a technological edge, but also a sophisticated look that set them apart from other scooters on the market.
Power and specifications
FAKA scooters were offered with engines of different capacities: 147, 174 and 197 cc. These engines were designed by the company ILO, one of the best-known engine suppliers in the 1950s. These engines gave the FAKA scooters solid performance, offering more power than most standard scooters of the time. This made the scooters ideal for both city traffic and long rides across the countryside.
End of an Era
Production of FAKA scooters ended in 1956, probably due to financial difficulties or not being able to keep up with the competition. Despite the short production period, FAKA did manage to establish itself as a brand that produced unusual and functional scooters, which are still appreciated in the collector's world today. To date, 17 FAKA scooters are still known to exist.