The David Plant Collection, 1932 Rudge 499cc Ulster

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. "Speed and the easiest way to obtain it!" declared Rudge's advertising, which listed the standard Ulster at £70, 90mph guaranteed for £75, and 100mph guaranteed for £85.

Owned by the vendor since 2008, the rare example offered here features fully radial valve gear, as fitted to the Ulster and TT Replica, a configuration used on those 500cc models only in 1932, a semi-radial arrangement being introduced for 1933. The 250cc and 350cc models continued with the fully radial layout.

This motorcycle is an older restoration, now nicely mellowed with age, and would benefit from a detailed clean and general recommissioning (the engine turns over). The history file contains correspondence relating to the Rudge's discovery as a restoration project and the subsequent sourcing and assembly of parts by the vendor. There are notes, invoices and diagrams on file relating to the machine and its restoration. The history file also contains tax discs dated December 1954 and March 1955 and a photocopy of a Rudge-Whitworth receipt dated 5th July '55, for the supply of a set of levers and a saddle, made out to a Mr Bassett. Offered with old/current V5C documents. It should be noted the V5C lists the engine number as 5375 rather than that fitted.

Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning and/or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding.
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