BRYAN REYNOLS
A history of the Rudge-Whitworth cycle and motorcycle company, from the late 1800s to the 1940s, including full production histories of the motorcycle models.
Topics covered include:
The origins of Rudge-Whitworth, from Daniel Rudge's early bicycles, to the Pugh family merger
An expansion into motorcycle production in 1909, with the 'M' prototypes and 'F'-head engines
The invention of the Rudge Multi gear engine in 1912, and a subsequent Isle of man win in 1914
The innovative 'Rudge Four' engines, with four parallel valves per cylinder
The 'Python' models - Rudge equipment used by other manufacturers, including in Enzo Ferrari's Scuderia Ferrari
The post-war slump and a move to EMI, with later attempts to revive the Rudge name