1939 Rudge-Whitworth Olympic Road

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Finally finished my restoration of a 1939 Rudge-Whitworth Olympic Road machine.

This was acquired this January, through a fluke of coincidence whilst researching a web article on the 1937-39 Rudge lightweights, as a frameset with original headset, seat pin, saddle and stem. Rebuilt per original specs as single-speed fixed/free. Original paint, lining and transfers.

This was one of the rare 1939s, designed by Jack Lauterwasser, and built at the new Rudge factory at Hayes, Middlesex, and in production only from September 1938-July 1939. This one was built in April '39. Exported to the U.S.A. and sold by the famous "Bike Shop to the Stars", Hans Ohrt, in Beverly Hills, California.

Full details, specs and lots more photos here:

http://www.ipernity.com/doc/286349/album/1062290

Peter Kohler
Washington DC USA

 

[Jonny69]

It’s a great proportioned machine! Must have been a fearsome racer back in its day.

I live just a few miles from Hayes. I didn’t realise the Rudge factory was there and assumed it was Birmingham or Nottingham as it got swallowed up by Raleigh. I should look it up one day.

 

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One of the results of the purchase of Rudge-Whitworth by HMV was relocating its factory from Coventry to Hayes literally next door to the big HMV factory there. A whole new factory was built or rather two, one for bicycles and one for motorcycles, with cycle production starting in September 1938. This was way before the purchase of Rudge by Raleigh in 1943. And the last "real" Rudges were actually made at the Norman works in Ashford when all of the HMV plant was turned over to war production.

full details here:

https://on-the-drops.blogspot.com/2018/ ... rudge.html

 

[Old Ned]

Looks good Peter. They really were quite modern in their thinking weren't they. If it wasn't for the period fittings it could almost be a 60's frame.

 

[The History Man]

Absolutely beautiful. What size is it? Looks to be quite large. Very very envious here.

 

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23" frame. And yes, that was "large" pre-war. Raleigh finally added a 23" frame to their RRA options in 1939. But many off-the shelf good quality lightweights came only up to 22". Rudge, on the other hand, offered 23" for their new range of lightweights from their introduction in 1937.