Beschreibung:

An innovative marque from the time of its inception in 1899 as a motor manufacturer, Rex demonstrated its first motorcycle in 1900 while continuing to make automobiles and tri-cars. The Coventry-based firm was soon active in all types of motorcycle competition, including the inaugural 1907 Isle of Man TT where Billy Heaton's sprung-fork Rex finished second in the twin-cylinder class. Prior to that Rex had exploited the valuable publicity that accrued from the popular long-distance events of the day, in particular the famous Lands End to John O'Groats journey between the most southerly and northerly parts of mainland Britain. Brothers Billy and Harold Williamson were in charge of Rex at this time, as managing and sales directors respectively, and it was the latter who in 1904 established a new record for this 880-mile marathon, which in those days involved travel over rough, un-surfaced and often treacherous roads. Riding a 3¼hp (approximately 380cc) Rex, Williamson took 48 hours 36 minutes, which included lengthy stops to repair punctures, beating the existing mark by 2½ hours. Rex continued manufacturing its own power units until the early 1920s, after which proprietary engines became the norm. By this time neighbours Coventry Acme had been taken over and in the next few years the ranges were rationalised, the 'Rex-Acme' name being adopted in 1921. Despite many racetrack successes, both in the Isle of Man and at Brooklands, the firm became a casualty of the Depression, and although there was a brief revival, was gone for good by 1933. Dating from the firm's Edwardian heyday, this 3½hp model was previously owned by Norman Dukes of Stourbridge, West Midlands and is the only Rex known to have the Kerry two-speed gear and clutch. The Kerry transmission was patented in 1912 and it is assumed that the Rex was fitted with one soon afterwards together with the Druid fork, which brought with it the considerable convenience of a front brake. Norman Dukes had bought the Rex, which was in a distressed state, in December 1978 and spent the next few years restoring it, successfully completing the 1982 Pioneer Run after the project's conclusion. His detailed account of the machine's discovery and resurrection is on file. The current owner purchased the Rex from Brian Verrall in July 1983 together with the 1924 Sunbeam motorcycle combination in this sale (Lot 467). Last MoT'd to 1996, 'EL 1309' is offered with the 1983 purchase receipt, 1906 Rex range brochure (copy), Pioneer Certificates (x2), various Banbury Run certificates, a quantity of photocopied literature, three expired MoTs, SORN letter and old-style Swansea V5.