LOT 520
1938 Rudge 499cc Ulster Registration no. FGU 567 Frame no. 61244 Engine no. S4914
Sold for £14,720 inc. premium
Lot 520
1938 Rudge 499cc Ulster
1938 Rudge 499cc Ulster
Registration no. FGU 567
Frame no. 61244
Engine no. S4914
Registration no. FGU 567
Frame no. 61244
Engine no. S4914
• Original registration and matching numbers
• An older restoration
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 which led to the introduction of the legendary 'Ulster Grand Prix' sports model, or 'Ulster' for short. Early engines deployed parallel valves in a pent-roof combustion chamber, but then in 1930 a trio of 350s appeared at the Isle of Man with radially disposed valves. This new arrangement emphatically demonstrated its superiority when the Rudge team of Tyrell Smith, Ernie Nott and Graham Walker finished 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the Junior TT. Nott, Walker, Smith and Wal Handley were entered in the Senior race, Handley finishing 1st at a record speed of 74.24mph with Walker 2nd, Smith 6th and Nott 7th, winning for Rudge the coveted Team Prize. Not surprisingly, the Rudge Ulster was the machine to own in 1930.
First registered on 19th October 1938, this 'older restoration' has numbers matching those recorded in the (copy) old-style buff logbook (issued 1948) and the V5C, and the machine is an Ulster according to the Register. As well as the aforementioned copy logbook, the machine comes with old and current V5C documents; numerous old MoTs, tax discs, etc; and original period marque-related literature: parts list; owner's manual; operator's manual; Rudge Book of the Road, Bryan Reynold's book of Rudge; and a Pitman's service book.
Key not required
• An older restoration
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 which led to the introduction of the legendary 'Ulster Grand Prix' sports model, or 'Ulster' for short. Early engines deployed parallel valves in a pent-roof combustion chamber, but then in 1930 a trio of 350s appeared at the Isle of Man with radially disposed valves. This new arrangement emphatically demonstrated its superiority when the Rudge team of Tyrell Smith, Ernie Nott and Graham Walker finished 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the Junior TT. Nott, Walker, Smith and Wal Handley were entered in the Senior race, Handley finishing 1st at a record speed of 74.24mph with Walker 2nd, Smith 6th and Nott 7th, winning for Rudge the coveted Team Prize. Not surprisingly, the Rudge Ulster was the machine to own in 1930.
First registered on 19th October 1938, this 'older restoration' has numbers matching those recorded in the (copy) old-style buff logbook (issued 1948) and the V5C, and the machine is an Ulster according to the Register. As well as the aforementioned copy logbook, the machine comes with old and current V5C documents; numerous old MoTs, tax discs, etc; and original period marque-related literature: parts list; owner's manual; operator's manual; Rudge Book of the Road, Bryan Reynold's book of Rudge; and a Pitman's service book.
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.
Saleroom notices
No notice.
Additional information
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