Heinkel Tourist: the luxury motor scooter

The Heinkel Tourist was a luxury motor scooter produced by Heinkel Flugzeugwerke from 1953 to 1965. More than 100,000 were sold, and the model quickly gained a reputation as one of the most refined scooters of its time. Compared to other popular scooters such as the Vespa and Lambretta the Heinkel Tourist was more expensive, but offered more comfort, stability and higher build quality. The Tourist was a scooter that was not only functional but also felt luxurious. It was even promoted in England as "The Rolls-Royce of Scooters" and in the US as "The Cadillac of Scooters."

The scooter had a robust design with a tubular steel frame, on which pressed steel body panels were mounted. The engine was carefully integrated into the frame, so the chain ran in a sealed oil bath, extending its life without oil coming into contact with the scooter or the rider. This ensured cleaner and more efficient operation. Unlike many other scooters of the time, which often used two-stroke engines, the Heinkel Tourist equipped with a 4-stroke engine, which provided a quieter and smoother ride.

With its luxury features such as a speedometer, clock, steering lock, luggage carrier and spare wheel, the Heinkel Tourist more than just a means of transport. It was a statement of sophistication and craftsmanship in the world of scooters, and it remains a favourite collectible for vintage vehicle enthusiasts.