The Clive Wood MBE Collection
c.1919 Rudge 499cc Multi
Registration no. unregistered
Frame no. none visible
Engine no. 14976
In 1912 Rudge set new world speed records at Brooklands, establishing new one-hour and two-hour marks at more than 65 miles and 122 miles respectively. The firm also figured prominently in the popular reliability trials of the day, thereby demonstrating that its products were durable as well as fast. By this time the desirability of incorporating a clutch into the transmission had become all too apparent, as had the need for variable gearing. Many customers specified one or other of the numerous competing proprietary transmissions - NSU, Sturmey-Archer, Phillipson, etc - while Rudge offered the Mabon variable gear. Although preferable to direct drive, the Mabon had its weaknesses, prompting Works Manager John Pugh to come up with something better: the Multi. Controlled by a tank-mounted lever, the Multi worked by varying the diameter of two pulleys, one on the crankshaft, the other on the rear wheel, offering ratios between 3.5:1 and 7.0:1 while maintaining drive belt tension. An outstanding success, it would remain in production for the next ten years.

Possibly unrestored, this Rudge Multi is offered for restoration and sold strictly as viewed (the engine turns over). Although the machine displays the registration 'SM 1847', the latter is not recorded in the HPI/DVLA database and thus this motorcycle is offered unregistered and without documents.
Footnotes:
All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

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This Lot will be auctioned on Sunday 21 April starting at 11am GMT.
Lot to be sold without reserve.