Hidden away for decades in the basement of a house near Dortmund, this 1928 NSU 501T has been brought back to life by Polish collector Bartek Szambelan. Rather than restoring it to concours condition, Bartek chose to preserve the motorcycle’s hard-earned character, repairing only what was necessary while retaining the patina and history that almost a century on the road has given it.
Words: Rich Orriss
Photos: Bartek Szambelan
Sometimes the best restoration stories start with the find. In the summer of 2025, Polish collector Bartek Szambelan stumbled across a 1928 NSU 501T in Herne, near Dortmund, Germany. On the surface, the bike looked like a bit of a mess, and the sort of thing that most ordinary people would chuck in the skip; but beneath the dust and grime stood the solid skeleton of a remarkably complete motorcycle – all it needed was a bit of love and attention. And Bartek was the man.
The first photographs tell the initial part of story much better than words. Resting on a pallet and covered in decades of surface rust, the NSU appears little more than a collection of old parts. Yet a closer look reveals that almost everything from the original motorcycle had survived. The frame, engine, forks, mudguards, luggage carrier and many of the original fittings were still present. For any old-bike enthusiast, that level of originality is priceless. Rust and worn paint can be dealt with, but missing period components are becoming increasingly difficult to replace, and often need to be custom-made. So, although it may not look it, this NSU was a bit of a gem.
The owner previous to Bartek had discovered the NSU in the basement when purchasing a new house. With no interest in restoring it, the bike remained disassembled until Bartek loaded the collection onto a truck and brought it home to slowly resurrect the old steed.
Once reassembled, the extent of the work that would be required became clearer. The front forks showed evidence of an old accident, while the petrol tank had suffered damage sometime during its life. It had previously been welded and covered in green paint, but the repairs were beyond saving. After sandblasting, further restoration work was required, while the damaged front suspension was carefully repaired. The carburettor and Bosch magneto ignition were also rebuilt.
Rather than carrying out a full cosmetic restoration, Bartek deliberately chose a more sympathetic approach. His aim was to retain as much of the motorcycle’s original character as possible, preserving the character it had acquired from near to a century on the open road. Until the original tank can be completed, a replica has been fitted, finished in a correct patinated scheme with blue panels and hand-lined detailing that complements the machine’s aged appearance without pretending to be factory fresh.
One of the biggest surprises (a good one!) lay inside the engine. Despite its years of inactivity, it ran from the outset, with clean oil throughout. Inspection revealed both the cylinder bore and crankshaft to be in excellent condition, suggesting the engine had either seen relatively little use before being stored or had benefited from careful mechanical work earlier in its life.
Accompanying the motorcycle is documentation from the Audi Tradition Archive, confirming that this NSU 501T left the factory on 15 February 1928. The archive records show it was finished in black and supplied from Düsseldorf. Powered by a 498cc side-valve single-cylinder engine producing 11 horsepower, it was capable of around 60mph – a respectable figure for a touring motorcycle of its day. It featured a three-speed gearbox, Bosch magneto ignition, a Bosch horn, and left the factory on Peters Rotsiegel tyres.
One particularly nice discovery was an old black-and-white photograph showing the very same NSU 501T during its working life, still proudly carrying registration IX-24516. The image captures the motorcycle complete with its sprung saddles, leather panniers and purposeful stance, alongside its owner wrapped up against the cold in a heavy overcoat and gloves. Far removed from the dusty, forgotten machine found in a German cellar almost a century later, the photograph provides a rare glimpse of the NSU as it was intended to be seen – on the road, in use, and ready for the next journey. It is a wonderful reminder that many a vintage motorcycle was once simply someone’s everyday transport. How proud and excited that chap must have been when he took up the ownership.
Although 11 horsepower may not sound impressive by the standards of todays bikes, the 501T was never intended to be a sporting machine. Introduced in 1927, it was built to be dependable, comfortable and capable of covering long distances on the often unforgiving roads of the late 1920s. Features such as its broad valanced mudguards, generous luggage carrier and relaxed riding position made it an ideal touring motorcycle, while many owners chose to fit sidecars. Around 13,600 examples were produced during its lifetime, making it one of NSU’s most successful large-capacity pre-war models.
The finished motorcycle is a wonderful reflection of Bartek’s restoration philosophy. Rather than creating an over-restored showpiece, he has allowed the NSU to retain the character it earned through decades of use. The weathered exhaust, leather panniers, substantial rear carrier with passenger seat all hint at the working life this motorcycle once enjoyed, while the sympathetic finish ensures it looks authentic rather than artificially new.
Bartek’s plans for the machine perfectly reflect that idea. Rather than becoming a static museum exhibit, the NSU will soon be paired with a period sidecar and returned to the road, where it will take part in vintage motorcycle rallies and touring. After nearly a century, it is exactly the sort of future this remarkably original German single deserves.
Looking at the before and after photographs, it is hard to believe they depict the same motorcycle. What emerged from a dusty German cellar as a rusty collection of forgotten parts has become a handsome, usable touring machine once more. It is restorations like this that remind us that it’s not about pretending that an old motorcycle should look new, but instead it’s about respecting the life it has already lived.
Thanks to Bartek Szambelan’s patience and craftsmanship, another piece of NSU’s pre-war story has been saved – and, more importantly, will continue to be written on the road rather than hidden away in a cellar.
an article by The Girder Club
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