Description
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
Viewing: Tuesday 8th July from 1pm
Auction: Wednesday 9th July from 9am
Location: National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ
1951 New Hudson Autocycle
No Reserve
Registration No: NYB 218
Frame No: 501/ 12796
MOT: Exempt
A very original New Hudson Autocycle
Part of a large collection of machines
Turns over with compression
Old RF60 logbook on file
Like many of the pioneer British motorcycle manufacturers, New Hudson had started life as a cycle manufacturer before producing their first motorcycle in 1909. Following the First World War the company produced a pretty little 211cc two-stroke and a range of single-cylinder four strokes from 350cc to 600cc with both side and overhead valves. The company was fortunate in being able to call on the services of both Fred Hutton and Bert Le Vack as designers and riders, the latter regularly breaking records at Brooklands during the 1920s on New Hudson machinery, however, as the effects of the Great Depression took hold, the company found itself struggling to survive. A range of machines was introduced that featured partial enclosure of the engine and transmission in an attempt to tempt buyers but met with little success and the firm ceased motorcycle production during 1933, concentrating on Girling brake production. Subsequently acquired by BSA, a new autocycle bearing the New Hudson name, was planned for release in 1940, although the Second World War resulted in a delay until 1946. The new model utilised a Villiers JDL engine displacing 98cc housed in a 'drop tubed' frame equipped with a rigid fork, carrier, centre stand and direct lighting system. 1948 saw the introduction of an improved machine featuring girder forks and engine covers, an iteration which ran for a year before a revised version, re-engineered to employ the newly introduced Villiers 2F power unit, was released.
On offer is a 1951 New Hudson Autocycle that is mostly original and was purchased by the late vendor for his ever-growing collection of machines of all different makes and models and engine sizes. It is not known when it came into his possession, however, it was many years ago. Not used since ownership, it now requires some general recommissioning before use. It is accompanied by its original RF60 logbook, however, the registration number cannot be found with the DVLA.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
