1929 Rudge Ulster Grand Prix
auctions.single.seller.popular
auctions.single.seller.view-count
auctions.single.seller.images
Highlights
- Believed to have raced at the Isle of Man TT in 1930
- Restored by renowned Rudge enthusiast Fred Moss and raced at Vintage Club events
- Beautifully preserved, having lived in the vendor’s house for some years
- Full mechanical overhaul carried out at a cost of £2,133 carried out in 2016
- Features desirable period racing features including foot operated gear change and twin ‘fish-tail’ exhaust silencers
The Appeal
For those who wished to compete in the Isle of Man TT races almost a century ago, a Rudge was the machine you coveted. Their Ulster Grand Prix Model with its 499 cc OHV engine, four-speed gearbox and enormous eight inch drum brakes was ‘guaranteed’ to achieve ninety miles per hour and cost the then considerable sum of £70!
This 1929 example was originally optioned with twin ‘fish-tail’ exhaust silencers and left foot operated gear change as was most commonly chosen for racing machines. It’s believed that it took part in the TT races in 1930, as many of these bikes did, being deemed too expensive for the average road rider at the time.
It was rediscovered (in boxes) by well known Rudge Whitworth enthusiast Fred Moss, who carried out a full restoration before campaigning the bike at Vintage Club events. It’s been in current hands for over twenty years, where it has been carefully preserved while stored inside the vendor’s house. Subject to extensive mechanical reconditioning in 2016 to the tune of over £2,000, it’s in fine fettle and ready to be ridden.
It was rediscovered (in boxes) by well known Rudge Whitworth enthusiast Fred Moss, who carried out a full restoration before campaigning the bike at Vintage Club events. It’s been in current hands for over twenty years, where it has been carefully preserved while stored inside the vendor’s house. Subject to extensive mechanical reconditioning in 2016 to the tune of over £2,000, it’s in fine fettle and ready to be ridden.
The History and Paperwork
- Ordered new in typical racing specification
- Believed to have participated in the 1930 Isle of Man TT races
- Rebuilt from a dismantled state by its previous owner - Rudge enthusiast Fred Moss
- Later raced by Moss at a number of events
- In present ownership for over twenty years
- Last V5C change (logged as ownership change) dated 2011
- Current V5C present
- Subject to a mechanical overhaul in 2016
- A hand-written invoice for the work is included
- Copy of an article about Fred Moss and the bike
- Copy of original Rudge Whitworth sales material for this model
- Retains its original registration
- Raced and daily ridden in the past
- Exempt from road tax and MOT tests
The Condition
- Competition trim with no lights fitted
- Period correct livery in black and gold
- Charming hand-painted registration numbers
- Single seat with additional cushion for pillion passenger
- Tax disc holder with period tax disc
- Original tank graphics carefully replicated
- All the paintwork presents well and has weathered in nicely since the bike was restored
- Both wheels and tyres appear in very good order
- Currently wearing the race number ‘6’
- Light patina to the seat upholstery, grips and foot pegs
- Both frame and fuel tank appear corrosion and damage free
- Light wear to the paintwork in places as befits a racing bike of this vintage
- A set of period Rudge knee grips are provided but not fitted at present
We can completely understand why the vendor displayed this motorcycle in their house, rather than hiding it away in the corner of a garage. It has fabulous lines, looking like it’s doing its full claimed ninety miles per hour even when standing still.
Subject to an older restoration and seeing some competition use since, all is now weathering in very nicely with some light patina to the paintwork, fittings and upholstery which really suits it. It clearly wasn’t over-restored in the first place which is just the right level of finish for a racing bike of this vintage.
The Mechanics
- 499 cc single cylinder engine with four enclosed overhead valves
- Dome-topped aluminium piston with fully floating gudgeon pin
- Roller bearing big end
- Dry sump lubrication system with Duplex pump
- Sports Amal carburettor
- Four-speed gearbox with left-foot operation
- Eight inch drum brakes
- Girder fork suspension
- 2016 mechanical overhaul detailed by the hand-written invoice provided
- Said to be running well and riding as it should
Tackling a road course while nearing speeds of one hundred miles per hour on this bike is mightily impressive for 1920s engineering and testament to the advanced ability of those in Rudge Whitworth works in period.
Following an extensive mechanical overhaul in 2016, it is said to be in rude health mechanically, running and riding well with no issues to report.
Summary
This magnificent Rudge is a great piece of motorcycle racing history. We envy the next owner who will likely embark on uncovering more of this bike’s no doubt esteemed past. The Fred Moss connection is fabulous to have, as is the reassurance of the judicious maintenance in present ownership. Be sure not to miss this museum-worthy classic motorcycle.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
The Gallery
About Max Bids
The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.
Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.
Anti-sniping
Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.
Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.
Auto-bidding increments
- If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
- If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
-
- Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
- We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.
| Bid Amount | Increment |
|---|---|
| £0 to £9,999 | £100.00 |
| £10,000 to £49,999 | £250.00 |
| £50,000 to £99,999 | £500.00 |
| £100,000 + | £1,000.00 |
Automatically outbid immediately
When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.
You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.
Matching max bids
When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.
What are pre-bids?
A pre-bid means you\'re able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.
Problem with your bid
Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.