Skip to main content

LOT 539

Property of a deceased's estate c.1936 Rudge 499cc Ulster Registration no. CEL 727 Frame no. 57086 Engine no. U1412

Sold for £13,800 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 539

Property of a deceased's estate, c.1936 Rudge 499cc Ulster
Registration no. CEL 727 Frame no. 57086 Engine no. U1412

Property of a deceased's estate
c.1936 Rudge 499cc Ulster
Registration no. CEL 727
Frame no. 57086
Engine no. U1412

The full potential of Rudge's four-valves-per-cylinder design was slow to emerge, but in 1928 Graham Walker's works 500 became the first motorcycle to win a road race - the Ulster Grand Prix - at an average speed in excess of 80mph, a feat that led to the introduction of the legendary 'Ulster' sports model. Early engines deployed parallel valves in a pent-roof combustion chamber. Subsequently, Rudge produced a 'head for the 500 featuring parallel inlet valves and radial exhausts, and this arrangement debuted on the works bikes for 1931. The Ulster, though, together with the TT Replica 500, sported a fully radial 'head for 1932 only before reverting to the semi-radial arrangement, which was fully enclosed from 1937.

Featuring the correct bronze cylinder head, this Ulster appears to be an older restoration in substantially original specification. It is not known when the machine was acquired or when it last ran; its mechanical condition likewise is not known (the odometer reading of 17 miles is assumed to be the distance covered since restoration). There are no documents with this Lot, which requires re-commissioning and is sold strictly as viewed. The registration 'CEL727' is recorded in the DVLA and HPI databases; nevertheless, prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's registration status prior to bidding.
Offered without key

Footnotes

All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding

Saleroom notices

This lot is now offered with a V5C.

Additional information

Own a similar item?

Submit your item online for a free auction estimate.

How to sell

Looking for a similar item?

Our Motorcycles specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.

Find your local specialist

Specialist section

Auction Viewings

  • 23 April 2022, 09:00 - 17:30 BST
  • 24 April 2022, 09:00 - 17:00 BST

Bid now on these items

1933 Velocette 349cc KTT MkIV
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1933 Velocette 349cc KTT MkIV

£14,000 - £18,000
Yamaha Banshee 350. Custom Made Le Mans Edition, 2004.
Denmark

Yamaha Banshee 350. Custom Made Le Mans Edition, 2004.

DKK80,000 - DKK100,000
2011 Bugatti Type 52 by Authentic Models
Denmark

2011 Bugatti Type 52 by Authentic Models

DKK100,000 - DKK150,000
1989 Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9
Denmark

1989 Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9

DKK120,000 - DKK180,000
Offered from the 'Somerset Hoard', barn stored since circa 1939 1913 Belsize 10/12hp Open Tourer
United Kingdom

Offered from the 'Somerset Hoard', barn stored since circa 1939
1913 Belsize 10/12hp Open Tourer

£10,000 - £15,000