Birmingham-based New Hudson started out as a bicycle manufacturer in the Victorian era. 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. The first model powered by an engine of its own make arrived in 1911 and New Hudson made its Isle of Man TT debut that same year. However, major competition success eluded the Birmingham firm until Bert Le Vack took over racing development, becoming the first man to lap Brooklands at over 100mph on a 500cc machine in 1927. 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 magnificent motorcycle offered here is a rare example of New Hudson's 770cc Big Six, which was a new introduction for 1913. New Hudson manufactured the Armstrong three-speed hub gear and one of these is fitted to this machine. 'ML 5997' was found unrestored in Italy where it is believed to have been used for hill climbs and time trials until being damaged in the 1920s. The machine was acquired by the current vendor in 2005 and restored over the next four years to original condition. Carried out by recognised specialists in their respective fields, the work included reconditioning the magneto, overhauling the hub gear and rebuilding the front forks as well as repainting, re-plating, etc. Presented in generally very good condition, the machine is offered with sundry restoration invoices, VMCC dating and Sunbeam MCC Pioneer certificates, current MoT/road fund licence and Swansea V5.
Birmingham-based New Hudson started out as a bicycle manufacturer in the Victorian era. 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. The first model powered by an engine of its own make arrived in 1911 and New Hudson made its Isle of Man TT debut that same year. However, major competition success eluded the Birmingham firm until Bert Le Vack took over racing development, becoming the first man to lap Brooklands at over 100mph on a 500cc machine in 1927. 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 magnificent motorcycle offered here is a rare example of New Hudson's 770cc Big Six, which was a new introduction for 1913. New Hudson manufactured the Armstrong three-speed hub gear and one of these is fitted to this machine. 'ML 5997' was found unrestored in Italy where it is believed to have been used for hill climbs and time trials until being damaged in the 1920s. The machine was acquired by the current vendor in 2005 and restored over the next four years to original condition. Carried out by recognised specialists in their respective fields, the work included reconditioning the magneto, overhauling the hub gear and rebuilding the front forks as well as repainting, re-plating, etc. Presented in generally very good condition, the machine is offered with sundry restoration invoices, VMCC dating and Sunbeam MCC Pioneer certificates, current MoT/road fund licence and Swansea V5.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
