Astra 350 1925 & Ernst Henne - Grand Prix of Italy - Monza - 1925 - motorcycle

Description

A superb and rare photo of the famous
Ernst Jakob Henne
and his
350cc Astra racing machine
, seen during the prestigious
Grand Prix of Italy
which was ridden on the circuit of
Monza
in
1925
. Henne’s
Astra
featured a
Blackburne
engine as stock.
It was the first race that Ernst Henne rode outside his home country of
Germany
. It was an extremely heavy race in which Henne managed to finish in 6TH place. An impressive debut that caught the attention of the head of BMW’s racing department: Rudolf Schleicher. A year later, Henne was contracted as a works rider by BMW. Henne’s
Astra
featured a
Blackburne
engine.
Interestingly, Henne was riding an Astra motorcycle.
Astra
(
Astra Motoren GmbH)
was a German motorcycle manufacturer which was located in the Bavarian city of
Munich
. They made 350cc and 500cc motorcycles, using British engines from
Blackburne
and
JAP
. The first Astra models however had twin cylinder boxer engines which were made in license by SMW for Bosch-Douglas. 1923 1925
In the 1920s and 1930s
BMW
was very active in racing and world record braking and
Ernst Henne
was their number one racing ace to do it for them.
Henne
, who began his illustrious BMW racing career in
1926
, would go on to be named the "Fastest Man on Two Wheels," and for good reason. Starting in 1929 he broke the world land-speed record an incredible eight times. Beginning with a swift
134 mph
(
215,65 km/h
)
in 1929 he would increase his speed on a BMW 750cc machine to
159 mph
(
255,89 km/h
)
by 1935. At this time he will had also broken a world land-speed record on a sidecar-equipped 750cc motorcycle clocking in at
118 mph
(
189,90 km/h
)
. In the late 30's, Henne turned to 500cc racers setting records again in 1936 and 1937 at
169 mph
(
271,98 km/h
)
and
173 mph
(
278,42 km/h
)
respectively. This final record would hold for fourteen years. He was one of the most talented riders of his era, being a very fast and very precise rider.
At the end of the 1920s, Henne developed a passion for off road riding. What followed was an impressive career in that motorcycle sport discipline as well!
This is a very nice and very rare non period photo that reflects a wonderful era of Astra ‘s rich motorcycle history in a wonderful way. This is your rare chance to own this photo, therefore it is printed in a nice large format of ca. 8" x 10.3" (ca. 20 x 26 cm). It makes it perfectly suitable for framing!
Check out our other Ebay auctions or contact us for more Astra , Henne and other motorcycle images
and use the shipping discount! You can always contact us for any requests.
Shipping costs will only be $ 7.00 regardless of how many photos you buy.   For 5 or more photos, shipping is free!
(Note: A. Herl, Inc. does not appear on photo, for ebay purposes only)
No copyright expressed or implied. Sold as collectable item only. We are clearing out our archives that we have gathered from various sources.
All items always sent well protected in PVC clear files
and board backed envelopes.
We have photographs that came from professional collections and/or were bought from the original photographer or press studio! They are all of professional and excellent quality.
After many decades of professionally collecting photographs and posters we are clearing out our archives. They make the perfect gift and are perfectly suited for framing. They will look gorgeous unframed and will be a true asset nicely framed with a border. They are a gorgeous and great asset in every home, workshop, workplace, restaurant, bar or club!
First come - first served. And you can always contact us for your requests. Please ask any questions before the auction ends.