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.

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

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