The Treaty of Versailles forbade the reconstruction of the German army. Nevertheless, its commanders evaded the obstacle by introducing vehicles of the civil production, which was not subject to any limitations. Thus they set up entire companies equipped with motorvehicles, developing in this way a “motorized mentality” among the crews. The Zündapp. with a production total of 18.000 units due to its structure which guaranteed easy and economical handling - was considered one of the most modern accomplishments of the age in the field of motorcycle construction. Because of its extraordinary qualities, the Zündapp could follow and escort the tank units of the Wehrmacht and the Waffen-SS to all theatres of operations, especially in Russia, since the side car was even furnishe with heating for hands and feet of the man. Zündapps were distributed to all units of the armed forces, Only after 1943, they were replaced by 4-wheel vehicles.
