Description
This motorcycle is Lot 546 of Bonhams Motorcycles Online – The Winter Sale; open for bidding 5-15th December 2025.
Please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Bidding on all Lots commences Friday 5 December, 12:00 noon.
Bidding closes Monday 15 December, 12:00 noon, starting with Lot 501.
Each subsequent Lot will then close one minute apart unless bidding remains active.
Public Viewing:
Lots 501, 519 & 525 only:
Friday 12 December, 9am - 5pm
All Remaining Lots:
Wednesday 10 December, 9am - 5pm
Thursday 11 December, 9am - 5pm
Please email using the button below with your availability to schedule an appointment.
Lot 546
1921 New Hudson 211cc
Registration no. BT 1816
Frame no. 6618
Engine no. 1256
The Birmingham firm of New Hudson started out as a bicycle manufacturer. The company's first powered machine of 1903 used a clip-on Minerva engine and this was followed by the first proper motorcycle in 1910. New Hudson made its Isle of Man TT debut in 1911 but major competition success eluded the Birmingham firm until Bert Le Vack took over racing development in 1927, becoming the first man to lap Brooklands at over 100mph on a 500cc machine that same year. Le Vack's mount was powered by a development of New Hudson's own overhead-valve engine that had first appeared at the Isle of Man TT in 1924, and this handsome power unit was also used by the factory team in the 'Island' in 1927, works rider Jimmy Guthrie finishing the Senior race in second place. New Hudson announced a new range for 1931, but the onset of economic depression did little to encourage sales and in 1933 the company, by then manufacturers of Girling automotive components, ceased to build motorcycles. There was a brief return in 1940 with the New Hudson Autocycle, later built by BSA.
The machine offered here is an example of New Hudson's 211cc two-stroke lightweight, a model built under licence from Levis, which first appeared in 1914. Kept on static display for the past 40 years as part of a private collection, the machine, which belonged to the current vendor's late father, appears to be an older restoration that has since deteriorated. Following a period of inactivity and storage, this motorcycle will require re-commissioning and/ or restoration to a greater or lesser extent and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding. Offered with an old V5 registration document.
£2, 500 - 4, 500
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. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
