LOT 343

1913 Rudge 499cc Multi Registration no. SV 5851 Frame no. 669707 Engine no. 07443

Sold for £10,350 inc. premium

Lot 343

1913 Rudge 499cc Multi

The Autumn Stafford Sale - The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|11 October 2026, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1913 Rudge 499cc Multi
Registration no. SV 5851
Frame no. 669707
Engine no. 07443

In 1912 Rudge set new world speed records at Brooklands, establishing new one-hour and two-hour marks at more than 65 miles and 122 miles respectively. The firm also figured prominently in the popular reliability trials of the day, thereby demonstrating that its products were durable as well as fast. By this time the desirability of incorporating a clutch into the transmission had become all too apparent, as had the need for variable gearing. Many customers specified one or other of the numerous competing proprietary transmissions - NSU, Sturmey-Archer, Phillipson, etc - while Rudge offered the Mabon variable gear. Although preferable to direct drive, the Mabon had its weaknesses, prompting Works Manager John Pugh to come up with something better: the Multi. Controlled by a tank-mounted lever, the Multi worked by varying the diameter of two pulleys, one on the crankshaft, the other on the rear wheel, offering ratios between 3.5:1 and 7.0:1 while maintaining drive belt tension. An outstanding success, it would remain in production for the next ten years.

The early history of this desirable Veteran-era Multi is not known prior to 1951 when it was made roadworthy and registered with the Sunbeam Motor Cycle Club's Pioneer Register. The Rudge was subsequently issued with an age-related registration in 1996 just before it was purchased by the vendor's father. The latter had the frame, forks and cycle parts stove enamelled and the nickel plating redone as needed. Since its restoration in 1998 the Rudge has participated in various Anglo-Dutch events, London to Brighton Runs and local runs. The machine was last ridden on the 2015 Banbury Run and was last started in August 2026. Accompanying paperwork includes a Pioneer Certificate, sundry restoration invoices, and old/current V5C documents.

Prospective bidders must satisfy themselves regarding the motorcycle's provenance, condition, age, completeness, and originality prior to bidding. Sold strictly as seen.
Key not required

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' 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 Licence or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such Licence or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancellation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Buyers' Premium and Charges
Like the vast majority of auctioneers Bonhams charge a Buyer's Premium on the Hammer Price of each Lot purchased and this is subject to VAT. Some lots may also be subject to VAT on the Hammer Price and these lots will be clearly marked with a symbol (†, Ω, *) printed beside the lot number.
For Automobilia the Buyer's Premium is 28% on the first £40,000 of the hammer price; 27% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £40,001 up to and including £800,000; 21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £800,001 up to and including £4,500,000 and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,001.
For Motor Cars and Vehicle Registration Numbers the Buyer's Premium will be 15% on the first £500,000 of the hammer price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter.
A 3rd party bidding platform fee of 4% + VAT of the Hammer Price for Buyers using the following bidding platforms will be added to the invoices of successful Buyers for auctions starting on or after 6th July 2024 – Invaluable; Live Auctioneers; The Saleroom; Lot-tissimo.
VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Buyers Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
Payment Notices
For payment information please refer to the sale catalogue.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licenses please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.
- Automobilia
- Motorcycles