Beschreibung:

Like so many of the great Midlands motorcycle manufacturers New Hudson graduated from cycle manufacture in the late Victorian era to motorcycle manufacture in the Edwardian era. They were comparatively late on the scene, their first motorcycles not leaving the Parade Mills, Birmingham, factory until 1909. The company survived through difficult times, including two World Wars, until 1957 and although best remembered for practical road machines, New Hudson were to achieve competition successes at Brooklands and elsewhere in the hands of such noted drivers as Bert Le Vack, Jimmy Guthrie and Fred Hutton. J.A.P. engines were bought in and used until 1911 when New Hudson commenced manufacture of their own engines which were fitted as an alternative option to the J.A.P. units. The Big Six, launched prior to the Great War, was the top-of-the-range offering from Parade Mills, powered by a lusty 770cc (76 x 85mm) engine and featured a hand-change three-speed gearbox with belt final drive. As a solo machine it had power-a-plenty but was really best cut out for sidecar work. This is just such a machine which was acquired by the present owner in 2002 and has been the subject of major restoration both mechanically and cosmetically. It is exceptionally smartly presented in black livery with gold lining and lettering, new tyres have been fitted and the bike is equipped with bulb horn, luggage carrier with picnic basket and matching leather tool panniers. The period slipper sidecar likewise has been carefully restored, retaining period features including delightful passenger door and the pleated brown upholstery has been professionally replaced. The restoration was completed in 2004 and this most handsome early combination comes with a Swansea V5 registration document and a Vintage Motor Cycle Club Certificate of Dating, issued to enable the age-related number to be allocated.