Durkopp (Germany) - AllCarIndex

Dürkopp was a German automotive manufacturer that originated from the Bielefelder Maschinenfabrik vorm. Dürkopp & Co. AG, founded in 1867 by Nikolaus Dürkopp in Bielefeld. Initially, the company specialized in sewing machines and later expanded its product line to include bicycles. In 1898, Dürkopp ventured into automobile production, creating its first cars based on Panhard designs, which featured front-mounted vertical 2-cylinder engines, double-chain drive, and wheels of unequal size. These vehicles were also produced in France under the name Canello-Dürkopp.

Throughout its early years, Dürkopp introduced a variety of models, including a smaller car in 1899 equipped with a rear-mounted 6PS engine and tandem seating. By 1903, the company offered a range of vehicles that included 8 and 10PS twins, a 15PS 3-cylinder, and 20 and 30PS 4-cylinder models. The engines utilized vertical T-head configurations, with 3-speed gearboxes for the twins and 4-speed gearboxes for the fours, all employing chain drive. Some models were marketed in England under the name Watsonia, named after the importing company, F. Watson.

Dürkopp's later offerings included larger models such as the Typ KW 6/14PS, produced from 1909 to 1914, and the substantial Typ DG 30/70PS and Typ DG 40/100PS, which had engine displacements of 8 liters and 13 liters, respectively. Despite the impressive specifications, these larger vehicles sold in limited quantities. The company also introduced a new line of smaller cars under the name Knipperdolling, featuring monobloc L-head engines with displacements of 1368cc and power outputs ranging from 15 to 40 horsepower.

After World War I, Dürkopp shifted its focus to the Typ P8, which was available in 8/24 and 8/32PS variants. The standard output was 24 or 32 horsepower, while a supercharged version produced 60 horsepower. The P8 had a smaller engine displacement of 1991cc to comply with competition regulations. The company continued to manufacture larger models, including a six-cylinder variant with a displacement of 3130cc, a four-cylinder P16 with 4164cc, and a six-cylinder P24 with 6246cc. Dürkopp ceased car production in 1927, although it continued to produce commercial chassis for three more years, including low-floor bus chassis. In 1948, the company returned to the motorcycle market, introducing a range of models from 98 to 200cc, with the Diana scooter being one of its most recognized products.