1935 Rudge-Whitworth Gents Light Tourist
21″ Frame
26″ Wheels
A beautiful and rare vintage bicycle, in original condition and ready to use,
with a superb set of accessories that would be envied at any bicycle run, display or show.
I bought this lovely original Rudge-Whitworth Tourist from a friend in the New Forest. His pal Geoff worked as a cycle mechanic in New Milton, and remembered when the bike was purchased new in 1935, either from Matthews Cycles or Warehams. Both shops were in Station Rd, New Milton. Warehams closed down some years ago. Matthews was bombed in WW2 and Lou Matthews, the owner, lost his life; the shop subsequently stopped selling bicycles and now sells electrical goods. I have to add that I visited New Milton in the late 1960s when I had a girlfriend who lived there; when I went again to collect this Rudge I was surprised to find that New Milton has hardly changed in 40 years.
This was an upmarket model for the mid-thirties. I can’t find a catalogue picture of it, though the similar Celerity, when fitted with Sturmey-Archer three-speed, sold for £7 19/- 6d.
The bike is fully serviced and ready to ride.
A particularly pleasing aspect is the accessories fitted to this fine machine.
1. The bell is a push-ringer type, and it looks like a Fearnought Harmo. These sell on ebay for £50-£100.
2. The tyre inflator is an Apex.
3. Rubber pedals fitted with toe-clips. I’ve never seen this design before.
4. Brooks racing saddle.
5. The above items are fabulous. But the real treasure is the rear mudguard protector. It was issued to commemorate the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in May 1937. This coronation was, of course, the result of his brother Edward VIII – who had become king only a year before – abdicating to marry Mrs. Simpson. I’m sure you’ve seen the recent film, The King’s Speech, which documents these events splendidly.
Most ebay sellers strip bikes of their accessories to sell separately to make more money. I don’t do this. I buy accessories to add to my bikes! But this one has had these accessories all its life and though I’d love to keep them for my personal collection, I’m loathe to remove them. I’m sure the lucky winner of this bicycle will appreciate that it’s rare to know a bicycle’s history, and be very happy with the wonderful accessories that make this machine so unique.
LARGE PICTURES OF THIS BICYCLE
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PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE BIDDING
OWNER: BuyVintage Online Auctions
LOCATION: Brighton, E.Sussex, United Kingdom
DELIVERY is not included in this auction. This website contains details of recommended delivery services.
Great Britain – delivery is £50 for a bicycle to main parts of England; extra to Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, etc. I do not strip and box bikes for UK.
WORLDWIDE INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY
Ireland & N. Ireland, Europe, North & South America, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Japan, etc – I’ll dismantle the bike, box it, and send it by fed-ex air courier
PAYMENT: Paypal, cheque, bank transfer.
AFTER PURCHASE: Please email me your phone numbers; I prefer to speak to all purchasers personally.
VEHICLE CONDITION: Vintage vehicles are wonderful beasts – but each has an individual personality and they sometimes have bad days just like you and me.
You will need basic mechanical skills (or a local mechanic) to use one on a regular basis.
These are rare vehicles whose values are not necessarily based on running order.
IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH THE ABOVE, PLEASE DO NOT BID.
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you can contact Colin in the Customer Service Department between 9am and 7pm daily:
By Phone – (UK 0044) 07866-126469
By email – Buyvintage@mac.com
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