New Hudson Autocycle

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Formed in 1903 to build bicycles, Birmingham-based New Hudson turned to motorcycles in 1909, making a range of side-valve and OHV single-cylinder machines of 350 to 600cc capacity, and also a two-stroke of 211cc.

The firm was taken over by the BSA concern early in the Depression era and after World War Two concentrated on small utility autocycles powered by 98cc Villiers 2F two-stroke engines of 47mm bore and 57mm stroke. This was housed in a tubular type frame with solid drop out rear fork ends along the same principles as a bicycle. Front forks were a pressed blade Webb-type system while Dunlop tyres, Villiers lighting and a neat stand completed the specification. Fuel consumption was quoted at 180-200mpg at a speed of 20-25mph.

Dating from around 1954, this Autocycle is powered by a single-speed Villiers 2F 98cc engine and is complete with the leg-shields that invariably go missing. The V5C was issued in November 1983 and the last MOT is from 1976, perhaps when it was last ridden, so the usual check-over would be advised before it is used again. A receipt on file suggests that it was acquired for the Stondon Museum Collection in 1993, although it was not put into their name until 1997.