Featured in the 1981 movie Chariots of Fire, 1923 Rudge 500cc Four-Speed Motorcycle Combination

• Rudge sidecar
• Present ownership since 2005
• Restoration completed by 2006
• Last used in September 2022

This handsome Rudge combination was featured in Hugh Hudson's multiple Academy Award-winning 1981 movie Chariots of Fire (see image), and in 1985 won the 'Best Rudge' award at the VMCC International Assembly while owned by one G (George) Robinson (copy of results available). A letter on file from Bryan Reynolds of the Rudge Enthusiasts Club advises that this machine was assembled at the factory on 17th April 1923 and had gearbox number '218' (which it retains). The tank colour was described as Apple Green, which is a lighter shade than the famous Multi model's Olive Green.

The current vendor purchased the Rudge in 2005 from a John Bell in Darlington. Mr Bell had acquired the Rudge from the aforementioned George Robinson, who owned a motorcycle shop in Darlington and had purchased the machine from Leicester. Prior to that, it is believed the Rudge was based in Norfolk (it has a Norwich registration). Purchased by our vendor as a 'basket case', the Rudge had been restored by the end of 2006. The vendor re-soldered the fuel tank himself, while the tank lining and 'Rudge' name were hand painted by a professional signwriter friend. Notable features include a Rudge single-seat sidecar with black leather upholstery (chassis number '3.1725'); Stewart speedometer; Klaxon 'Type ES' horn; Lucas 'King of the Road' acetylene headlamp and generator; Lucas sidecar lamp; BTH Magneto; and a Senspray carburettor. (It should also be noted that the engine runs on Castrol-R oil.)

'PW 1216' was ridden to Darlington town centre for the Vintage vehicle show in July 2022 and was last used in September 2022 at the Beamish Museum (the vendor visits the Northern Steam weekend at the Beamish Museum twice a year on the Rudge). The accompanying history file contains photographs of George Robinson and wife on the Rudge; with the current vendor at the Beamish Museum's Northern Steam weekend; and as seen in Chariots of Fire. Other documents include a current V5C; expired MoTs (most recent 2013); Rudge Enthusiasts Club invoices/receipts; some restoration photographs; and various copies of marque-related literature and technical notes.