Lot details
Registration No: SO 97
Frame No: 17310
Engine No: 449
cc: 750
MOT Expiry Date: None

In the early years of the twentieth century, thanks to their reputation for being of sound design, Rex machines were among the more popular with those early pioneering buyers. This interesting example of the marque, dated by the Sunbeam MC as being of 1906-manufacture, comes from a range which included single-cylinder or, as here, twin-cylinder engined vehicles in various capacities. The frame, presented in silver with green coachlining, is powered by a 750cc twin, and has a sidecar with wickerwork body on a spring frame of a type that was so typical of the era when there was a growing preference for the motorcycle and sidecar combination rather than the alternative Forecar configuration.
By 1922, having joined forces with Acme, the marque name was changed to Rex-Acme and a racing policy was pursued, usually with Blackburne-engined machines, and much success was enjoyed on the track.
This particular Rex with distinctive SO 97 registration first came to Beaulieu in early 1974 and, following immediate restoration work at Portsmouth Engineers George Hodges, went on display - however, due to exhibition space restrictions, the combo has had to be stored in recent years. Current condition of frame and suspension is rated by the National Motor Museum Trust as being rather tatty with drive belt missing. Paint and brightwork are said to be generally good, though, with only minor pitting, and sidecar interior fair albeit with dry leather.