R51/3: Engine identification and strange plate fitted to it:

[Michael Steinmann]

Hello to all. I received an R51/3 (?) engine, stamped 530294.
On the side there's a plate attached to the aluminum case, just above the cylinder, written:

Entre de Reparation
Automobile Zone Sud
Friedrichshafen
No. Cras 197.5.E
Rate de vision: 11.1.56

I also received a frame that supposed to be the right one for this engine. I did not managed to clean and spot its number yet, but at first look, the identification plate at the front assures it is an R51/3. I think I spotted some green color beneath the dirt and dust.

1. Can you please assure that according to the engines number, it belongs to an R51/3?
2. Can you please explain this strange plate? Is it a workshop plate? German and Spanish??
3. Can you please tell more about the frame and the green paint? Was there a green paint on these ladies?

Any information will be great. Thanks a lot.
Micha.

[92pmg]

Hi Micha,

I can confirm that the frame you have is a R51/3. The numbers ran: 522001 - 540950 (1951-1954)

I'm afraid I can't help with the plate, but I would suggest the green paint indicates your bike may have belonged at some time to the Police or other public organisation.

Good luck in your research,

Gerry

[vintage42]

It is a French military bike, rebuilt in a rebuild center run either by the army or a contractor. Here is a single cylinder bike showing a rebuild plate from 1982, and the remains of rivets from an earlier rebuild plate.
[IMG]http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f280/ ... itary1.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f280/ ... itary3.jpg[/IMG]

[92pmg]

Hi Micha,

What an interesting R27!I like the green, in fact the whole bike looks to be in exceptional condition.

The plate is very interesting too - I have never seen one before in 30 years working on older BMWs! All thanks for the information.

Gerry

[vintage42]

Micha has an R51/3 in Israel.
The green R27 with the plate is in Louisville, KY, USA, where I live.