1938 Rudge 250cc Sports

The Spring Stafford Sale - The International Classic MotorCycle Show|21 April 2024, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1938 Rudge 250cc Sports
Registration no. EUL 54
Frame no. 178
Engine no. 62785

Known for technical innovation, Rudge singles were among the first to employ four-valve heads, while as early as 1925 rear-front linked braking was available, both features well ahead of their time. In competition Rudges acquitted themselves well, coming home 1-2-3 in the 1930 Isle of Man Junior TT, and 1-2 in the Senior race. The year before, team rider Graham Walker had won the Ulster Grand Prix, leading to the Rudge Ulster replica, guaranteed to do 100 mph. For the 1938 season the 250cc two-valve Sports, as seen here, was introduced. Sadly it would be among the last Rudges, as production ceased in December 1939 when the factory was switched over to radar manufacture for the war effort.
This stunning 250 Sports has been owned the current vendor for the last 6 years and was completely restored before his ownership but with not being satisfied with some of the work carried out, he set about having the carburettor rebuilt and the rims rechromed with the original offset spokes. Offered with a V5C.
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.

REQUEST A TRANSPORT QUOTE

Please click the link to request a transport quote from our recommended transport company, Moving Motorcycles.

To request a UK or European shipping quote - Moving Motorcycles

To request an International shipping quote - Shippio

This Lot will be auctioned on Sunday 21 April starting at 11am GMT.

Saleroom notices

The frame number is 62785. The engine number is T984. It should be noted that the V5C lists frame number 198 and engine number 62785, which both appear to be typographical errors (198 believed to relate to T984) and 62785 (the actual frame number) and transposed to the V5C, listed as the engine number. It should be noted that Sports models in 1938 were denoted with a Z prefix on the engine, however the engine fitted to this motorcycle has a T prefix therefore bidders must satisfy themselves as to the originality of the motorcycle 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 client services.
Buyers Premium and Charges
Buyers Premium and Charges
Memorabilia and Spares
For Memorabilia and Spares (Lots 1-91) the Buyers Premium is 28% on the first £40,000 of the hammer price; 27% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £40,000 up to and including £800,000; 21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £800,000 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 201-272 & 301-499) 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.
- Automobilia
- Motorcycles