1932 New Hudson 500cc Model 3

Registration no. WO 6364 Frame no. M2196T/H4084 Engine no. M2196T

• Very rare model
• Believed part-restored
• Described by the private vendor as in working order

The Birmingham firm of New Hudson started out as a bicycle manufacturer. Their first powered machine of 1903 used a clip-on Minerva engine, and this was followed by the first proper motorcycle in 1910. 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 2nd place.

For 1931, a new range was announced comprising models with fashionable inclined cylinders and partial enclosure of the crankcase and gearbox. There were 346cc and 548cc sidevalve models, and 346cc and 496cc overhead-valve machines. Sadly, 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 handsome, overhead-valve, twin-port New Hudson Model 3 was supplied new via Cyril Morgan of Caerphilly and comes with the supplying dealer's brass plaque (detached). It is believed only 14 examples of the 1932 model still survive, making 'WO 6364' rare indeed. The machine is believed part restored, though the details and date are unknown, while there are invoices on file for work carried out on the carburettor and magneto. Described by the private vendor as in working order, it will require some re-commissioning before returning to the road. The machine is offered with a dating letter, V5C registration document, an expired MoT (2011), and instruction manuals and parts books (some reprinted).