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 500 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 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. This New Hudson was part restored and rebuilt as a ‘sprint special’ in 2001. We are advised that the engine has been overhauled and tuned, incorporating a gas-flowed cylinder head, high-compression piston, etc, while the cycle parts include a ‘sprint’ fuel tank and racing oil tank. Described by the private vendor as in good condition, this machine represents an opportunity to acquire an affordable vintage racing motorcycle suitable for a variety of VMCC and other historic racing events.
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 500 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 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. This New Hudson was part restored and rebuilt as a ‘sprint special’ in 2001. We are advised that the engine has been overhauled and tuned, incorporating a gas-flowed cylinder head, high-compression piston, etc, while the cycle parts include a ‘sprint’ fuel tank and racing oil tank. Described by the private vendor as in good condition, this machine represents an opportunity to acquire an affordable vintage racing motorcycle suitable for a variety of VMCC and other historic racing events.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
