LOT 718 - 1915 NEW HUDSON 6HP BIG SIX MOTORCYCLE COMBINATION

This motorcycle is to be auctioned at the Bonhams Summer Sale, The International Classic MotorCycle Show, Stafford , 2 – 4 July 2021

SALE TIMES
Friday 2 July
Collectors’ Motorcycles (Lots 1 - 127) Midday

Saturday 3 July
Spares and Memorabilia (Lots 201 - 551) 10am

Sunday 4 July
Motorcycles (Lot 601 - 811) 10am

VIEWING
Friday 2 July 9am to 5pm
Saturday 3 July 9am to 5pm
Sunday 4 July from 9am

ADMISSION TO THE INTERNATIONAL CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE SHOW

REGISTER TO BID

COLLECTION OF PURCHASED LOTS

AUCTION ADDRESS
Bonhams
Sandylands Centre
Staffordshire County Showground
Weston Road
Stafford
ST18 0BD

GENERAL ENQUIRIES - GUIDE FOR BUYERS – BUYER CHARGES
Please contact Bonhams Motorcycles.

OFFERED FROM THE NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM COLLECTION
1915 NEW HUDSON 6HP BIG SIX MOTORCYCLE COMBINATION
REGISTRATION NO. AE 6346 (SEE TEXT)
FRAME NO. 912
ENGINE NO. 1268
• Rare WWI-era New Hudson
• An older restoration
• Three-speed countershaft gearbox

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 combination offered here is a rare example of New Hudson's 770cc Big Six, which was a new introduction for 1913. This example has the three-speed countershaft gearbox, making it one of the more practical 'sidecar tugs' of the day. Other noteworthy features include a Bosch magneto; electric lighting with Lucas control unit; electric horn; AA member's badge; leather-faced panniers; and luggage racks (sidecar's foldable). There is no paperwork with this Lot apart from an HPI check sheet (recording the make as New Holland!). The registration 'AE 6346' is recorded in the HPI database; nevertheless, prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's registration status prior to bidding. The machine's mechanical condition is not known; accordingly, prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to its condition, completeness, correctness, or otherwise prior to bidding.

GBP16,000 - 20,000
€19,000 - 23,000