1930 Rudge 499cc Ulster

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

1930 Rudge 499cc Ulster
Registration no. VB 8557
Frame no. 41389
Engine no. 3885

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.

Acquired by John Marchant in March 2003 (sales receipt on file), this restored Ulster comes with a substantial history file containing numerous bills; a quantity of expired MoTs; assorted Rudge Club material; a quantity of photocopied literature; a selection of photographs including 'as found'; old/current V5/V5C documents; and copies of instruction manuals, spare parts lists, and Rudge Wrinkles.

This machine has been stored in dry conditions and has seen little or no use since 2016. Accordingly, it is sold strictly as viewed and may require varying degrees of recommissioning and/or restoration prior to further use.

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.

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

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