LOT 229

1911 New Hudson 3½hp Model III Registration no. BF 8177 Frame no. 1533 Engine no. 696

Sold for £7,360 inc. premium

Lot 229

1911 New Hudson 3½hp Model III

The Autumn Stafford Sale – The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|14 October 2023, 10:30 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1911 New Hudson 3½hp Model III
Registration no. BF 8177
Frame no. 1533
Engine no. 696

Birmingham-based New Hudson started out as a bicycle manufacturer in the Victorian era. The company's first powered machine of 1903 used a clip-on Minerva engine, and this was followed by the first proper motorcycle in 1910. The first model powered by an engine of its own make arrived in 1911 and New Hudson made its Isle of Man TT debut that same year. However, major competition success eluded the Birmingham firm until Bert Le Vack took over racing development, becoming the first man to lap Brooklands at over 100mph on a 500cc machine in 1927. New Hudson announced a new range for 1931, but the onset of economic depression did little to encourage sales and in 1933 the company, by then manufacturers of Girling automotive components, ceased to build motorcycles. There was a brief return in 1940 with the New Hudson Autocycle, later built by BSA.

The magnificent Veteran-era 'flat tanker' offered here is a rare example of New Hudson's 3½hp (499cc) Model III. New Hudson manufactured the Armstrong three-speed hub gear, and it is likely that the one fitted to this machine was made by them. The vendor purchased the machine in early 2017 and participated with it in that year's Pioneer Run. Run earlier this year, it has seen little use other than the occasional outing. Accompanying paperwork consists of a Pioneer Certificate; VMCC dating document; and a current V5C.

Footnotes

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