Lot 427: c.1941 Rudge Autocycle

By the outbreak of WW2 Rudge production had been transferred to parent company EMI’s Hayes factory where space for the manufacture of radar sets was at a premium, hence the decision to discontinue motorcycles. It was not quite the end of the story of Rudge two-wheelers however, as the Rudge Autocycle continued to be made by Norman in Kent. Powered by the ubiquitous 98cc Villiers engine, the Autocycle first appeared in 1940 in two versions, Standard and De Luxe, the latter enjoying the convenience of engine enclosure. This example of the last-ever Rudge is offered for restoration and comes with a 1959 tax disc for the registration number shown above. (It is not known if the number is recoverable).