Garage 271 are two guys who are intent on reviving interest in the long wheelbase, easy-tracking frames of the 1930s — 50s. This is one of their latest restorations: a fine example of the Dürkopp brand, an industrial concern who also manufactured scooters, motorcycles and sewing machines.
We’ve all admired these style of frames from the periphery of our vision, usually decorated with elaborate, hand painted branding, horizontal dropouts to accommodate a coaster brake and bolt-on seat stays. The tubing is classified as ‘gas pipe’ at best but you cannot deny that they’re built to last.
Oliver Aschenbrenner and Frank Heinrich, the designers and mechanics behind Garage 271, are fast establishing a signature style, epitomized by this Dürkopp. The raw beauty of the components and frame are still apparent, like an unpolished diamond.
Dürkopp produced some high-tier models as well as their more casual ‘Sport Tourist’ frames. This is a marvellous preservation that retains the original cranks and forks, albeit with a high polish and fresh coat of paint. The valve on the bottom bracket allows for easy lubrication of the bearings.
The Garage 271 Dürkopp is still proudly Teutonic, sporting a fresh pair of gum-walled Continental tires underneath the timeless logo. The overall stance is reminiscent of a cafe racer — rough and ready, yet stylish in a ‘handsome brute’ kind of way. Check out more Garage 71 creations on their website, and don’t forget to Like their Facebook page.
