1932 Rudge Radial 350cc. Registration number UF 8909. Frame ...

Estimate

£10,000 - £15,000

1932 Rudge Radial 350cc. Registration number UF 8909. Frame number 48500. Engine number 6237. Gearbox number 39007 32641.

From its foundation in 1894 the Rudge Whitworth company built a reputation for quality, reliability, sporting prowess and innovation with many patented ideas reaching the production machines. 1923 saw the introduction of an in-house manufactured 4-speed gear box and the first four valve cylinder head on a 350cc which produced more power than the 500cc it replaced!
Coupled brakes using a linking cable appeared in 1925 and remained a feature until production ceased. They were also noted for their massive 8" diameter brakes, which appeared for the first time in 1928.
The famous 'Ulster', which quickly became synonymous with the Rudge name, was introduced in 1929 following the Ulster Grand Prix win by Graham Walker at over 80 mph.
The Golden year of 1930 saw the junior TT 1, 2, 3 win using the newly untried fully radial 350cc 4 valve engines and the following year saw the first road machine with the fully radial valve layout. Another distinctive Rudge feature appeared in 1932, the much admired stand handle allowing the machine to be placed on the centre stand with 'just one finger'.

A variety of valve arrangements was tried across a range of 250, 350 and 500cc models, and by the mid-1930s had stabilised, the 500 Special employing a parallel layout and the Ulster a parallel/semi-radial combination.
UF was first registered with DVLA in 1990, presumably when it was restored and put back on the road in full touring trim; by 1999 it was with Terrance Johns of Fareham who sold it to our vendor in 2001.

In his ownership he had the wheels rebuilt on 21" rims, he rebuilt the engine himself, the gearbox was rebuilt by Colin Chappel, the magneto by D.H. Day (£499 in 2014), new silencer, clutch plates and brakes shoes.
In his ownership it has seen occasional use and he has decided it is time for a new custodian.

Sold with the V5C, various receipts and copies of manuals, it will need a new battery and recommissioning for road use.