Cyklon (Germany) - AllCarIndex

Cyklon was a German automobile manufacturer that operated from 1902 to 1929. The company initially began as Cyklon Maschinenfabrik GmbH in Berlin, focusing on the production of unconventional motorcycles. One of their early innovations included a motorcycle with the engine mounted over the front wheel, which was followed by a three-wheeled vehicle known as the Cyklonette. This model featured a 450cc single-cylinder engine that produced 3.5 PS and was equipped with chain drive and tiller steering.

In 1919, Cyklon became part of Jacob Schapiro's industrial group, which influenced its transition to four-wheeled vehicles. By 1922, the company rebranded to Cyklon Automobilwerke AG and introduced its first four-wheeled car, the 5/20 PS, which was a 1.3-litre model with two-seater coachwork. This vehicle was marketed through Schapiro's associated company, Schebera. The company continued to develop its lineup, releasing the 9/40 PS in 1926, a 2,350cc six-cylinder model that was similar to the Dixi 9/40 PS, another vehicle produced by a member of the Schapiro group.

Throughout its production years, Cyklon faced challenges, particularly as the demand for passenger cars diminished. The last models produced under the Cyklon name included a small series of the 1.8-litre Typ D, which was built under license from Donnet-Zedel. The brand ceased operations in 1929 when Dixi transitioned to license production of the Austin Seven, marking the end of Cyklon's automotive legacy.