DIAMANT

350cc Type E - 1926

Complex history

The convoluted history of the Diamant ("Diamond") marque began in 1903, with the production of lightweight bikes with single-cylinder and V-twin engines. In 1905, Tri-cars appeared with the space between the front wheels occupied by an armchair for the passenger. Motorcycle construction halted in 1908 and was not resumed until 1926.

The Gnädig era

Shortly after WWI, Franz Gnädig created – with the Krieger brothers – the KG 500 shaft-driven, overhead-valve single. After Cito (the maker of the KG) was taken over by Allright, Gnädig found himself on his own in Berlin, where in 1925, he created an ohv 350cc, which Diamant built in its factory at Sigmar-Schonau. Gnädig was appointed director of the firm in 1927. The engine was made by Kühne of Dresden, who also built the overhead-valve 500cc engine that was fitted in Diamant machines. British-built JAP engines were another option for Diamant.

Opel Takes Over

After a merger with Elite, Diamant was then acquired by the car maker Opel in 1928. Until 1930, Diamant built the 500 Motoclub – with a highly-original duralumin frame, built under license from Neumann-Neander – for the Rüsselsheim giant, which had become part of General Motors in early 1929. In 1931, Diamant produced the prototype of the "EO" ("Elite-Opel") 350 and 500 range, with three overhead-valves per cylinder and the Neander name, which was designed by Richard Küchen. Between 1933 and the outbreak of WWII, the works made Fichtel-Sachs-engined autocycles of 75 and 98cc.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 343cc air-cooled Kühne single-cylinder four-stroke; magneto ignition

Power Rating: 17 hp @ 3,300 rpm

Valves: overhead

Fuel System: carburetor

Transmission: 3-speed hand-shift, chain primary and final drives

Suspension: Druid girder forks (front); rigid (rear)

Brakes: drum (front & rear)

Designed by engineer Franz Gnädig, this 350 was the best Diamant model to be built before the company was acquired by Opel.