LOT 558

1912 Rudge 499cc Multi TT Registration no. AC 1466 Frame no. 651258 Engine no. 3616

Sold for £20,700 inc. premium

Lot 558

1912 Rudge 499cc Multi TT
Registration no. AC 1466 Frame no. 651258 Engine no. 3616

The Autumn Stafford Sale – The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|16 October 2022, 10:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1912 Rudge 499cc Multi TT
Registration no. AC 1466
Frame no. 651258
Engine no. 3616

By 1912, the desirability of incorporating a clutch into the transmission had become obvious, and Rudge offered various options including the Mabon variable gear. Although preferable to direct drive, the Mabon had its weaknesses, prompting Rudge's John Pugh to devise a better alternative: the Multi. Controlled by a tank-mounted lever, the Multi worked by varying the diameter of two pulleys, one on the crankshaft, the other on the rear wheel, while maintaining drive belt tension. An outstanding success, it would remain in production for the next 10 years.
According to Rudge Club records, 'AC 1466' is the oldest Multi known. The Rudge completed the London-Brighton Run in 2010 and took part in the 100th anniversary of the Isle of Man TT Mountain Course in 2011. Fitted with a new engine pulley and clutch parts, the machine was last run in August 2022. The tank has been signed by John McGuinness and Mick Grant, both of whom rode the machine circa eight years ago. Accompanying paperwork consists of a Pioneer Certificate, some MoTs, and a V5C document. The Rudge is fitted with a lower-geared belt rim at present and comes with the original higher-geared alternative. Other spares include two engines numbered '17608' and '14882' (the latter partially dismantled), a carburettor, a Ruthardt magneto, and other sundry parts.
Key not required

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.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
Buyers Premium and Charges
Buyers Premium and Charges
Memorabilia and Spares
For Memorabilia and Spares (Lots 1-285) the Buyers Premium is 27.5% on the first £20,000 of the hammer price; 26% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £20,000 up to and including £700,000; 20% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £700,000 up to and including £4,500,000 and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,000.
Motorcycles
For Motorcycles (Lots 301-336 & 401-651) the Buyers Premium will be 15% on the first £500,000 of the Hammer Price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter.
Buyers attention is drawn to Condition 7 of the Notice to Bidders. VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import License or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such License or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancelation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Payment Notices
For payment information please refer to the sale catalog.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licences please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.
- Motorcycles