LOT 738 *
c.1928 Rex-Acme 350cc TT Sports Registration no. not registered Frame no. 40322 Engine no. CP 378
Sold for £12,650 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 738*
c.1928 Rex-Acme 350cc TT SportsRegistration no. not registered Frame no. 40322 Engine no. CP 378
c.1928 Rex-Acme 350cc TT Sports
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. 40322
Engine no. CP 378
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. 40322
Engine no. CP 378
• Vintage-era sports roadster from one of Britain's premier makes
• Blackburne OHV engine
• Restored to concours condition in 2020
An innovative marque from the time of its inception in 1899 as a motor manufacturer, Rex demonstrated its first motorcycle in 1900 while continuing to make automobiles and tricars. The Coventry-based firm was soon active in all types of motorcycle competition, including the inaugural 1907 Isle of Man TT where Billy Heaton's sprung-fork Rex finished 2nd in the twin-cylinder class. Prior to that Rex had exploited the valuable publicity that accrued from the popular long-distance events of the day, in particular the famous Land's End to John O'Groats journey between the most southerly and northerly parts of mainland Britain. Brothers Billy and Harold Williamson were in charge of Rex at this time, as managing and sales directors respectively, and it was the latter who in 1904 established a new record for this 880-mile marathon, which in those days involved travel over rough, un-surfaced and often treacherous roads. Riding a 3¼hp (approximately 380cc) Rex, Williamson took 48 hours 36 minutes, which included lengthy stops to repair punctures, beating the existing mark by 2½ hours.
Rex continued manufacturing its own power units until the early 1920s, after which proprietary engines became the norm. By this time neighbours Coventry Acme had been taken over and in the next few years the ranges were rationalised, the 'Rex-Acme' name being adopted in 1921. In 1923 the firm signed rising star Walter Handley, a move that would set Rex-Acme on the road to racing success in Grands Prix and at the Isle of Man TT. With some justification the firm incorporated the 'Three Legs of Man' into its tank badge. Handley's 1927 Senior win was to prove Rex-Acme's swansong TT victory, for despite all its racetrack successes the firm became a casualty of the Depression, and although there was a brief revival was gone for good by 1933.
This Blackburne-engined Rex-Acme TT Sports was completely restored in 2020 by the current vendor. The machine had had various owners prior to purchase and was largely complete and in sound condition when found. Works undertaken included rebuilding the engine, gearbox and running gear, and nickel plating the brightwork; the result being a machine worthy of exhibition at any Concours d'Élégance. We are advised by the vendor that the Rex starts readily and is a delight to ride; indeed, he last rode it in May of this year. A full photographic record of the restoration, including 'before' and 'after' images, is offered with machine.
• Blackburne OHV engine
• Restored to concours condition in 2020
An innovative marque from the time of its inception in 1899 as a motor manufacturer, Rex demonstrated its first motorcycle in 1900 while continuing to make automobiles and tricars. The Coventry-based firm was soon active in all types of motorcycle competition, including the inaugural 1907 Isle of Man TT where Billy Heaton's sprung-fork Rex finished 2nd in the twin-cylinder class. Prior to that Rex had exploited the valuable publicity that accrued from the popular long-distance events of the day, in particular the famous Land's End to John O'Groats journey between the most southerly and northerly parts of mainland Britain. Brothers Billy and Harold Williamson were in charge of Rex at this time, as managing and sales directors respectively, and it was the latter who in 1904 established a new record for this 880-mile marathon, which in those days involved travel over rough, un-surfaced and often treacherous roads. Riding a 3¼hp (approximately 380cc) Rex, Williamson took 48 hours 36 minutes, which included lengthy stops to repair punctures, beating the existing mark by 2½ hours.
Rex continued manufacturing its own power units until the early 1920s, after which proprietary engines became the norm. By this time neighbours Coventry Acme had been taken over and in the next few years the ranges were rationalised, the 'Rex-Acme' name being adopted in 1921. In 1923 the firm signed rising star Walter Handley, a move that would set Rex-Acme on the road to racing success in Grands Prix and at the Isle of Man TT. With some justification the firm incorporated the 'Three Legs of Man' into its tank badge. Handley's 1927 Senior win was to prove Rex-Acme's swansong TT victory, for despite all its racetrack successes the firm became a casualty of the Depression, and although there was a brief revival was gone for good by 1933.
This Blackburne-engined Rex-Acme TT Sports was completely restored in 2020 by the current vendor. The machine had had various owners prior to purchase and was largely complete and in sound condition when found. Works undertaken included rebuilding the engine, gearbox and running gear, and nickel plating the brightwork; the result being a machine worthy of exhibition at any Concours d'Élégance. We are advised by the vendor that the Rex starts readily and is a delight to ride; indeed, he last rode it in May of this year. A full photographic record of the restoration, including 'before' and 'after' images, is offered with machine.
Footnotes
This Lot is subject to VAT on imported items at 5% on Hammer Price and Buyer's Premium, payable by the Buyer.
This lot is subject to a fee of £125 + VAT payable by the Buyer, to undertake the relevant NOVA and C88 (Customs) clearance applications. Please see the Conditions of Sale for further information.
Saleroom notices
Please note, some minor adjustments will be required, including fettling of the cables, prior to use as the bike has been sitting. Please click the link to view the walkaround video of Lot 738: click here
Additional information
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| * | Import low rate |
| VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium. |
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