Lot details Registration No: BF 5525 Frame No: 23276 Engine No: 10852 cc: 896 MOT Expiry Date: July 2011
Coventry based Rex were one of the pioneer motorcycle manufactures in the United Kingdom with a reputation for innovation and quality. They were one of the first British manufacturers to offer a sprung fork on their machines, early examples of which featured a plunger arrangement , with the axle being held in a sliding mount on each side of the fork with springs above and below. The fork was comprised of two tubes on each leg to allow the "axle carrier" to move. Other innovations included a free engine clutch and the use of a ROC two speed hub gear, however, the technical innovation for which they are now most famous was their most eccentric, a"beehive"silencer was incorporated with the cylinder head of their 372cc engine. Rex motorcycles met with a great deal of success in competition during the Pioneer period, particularly in reliability trials and long distance record attempts, with a Rex ridden by Harold Williamson holding the End to End record for four years.
Prior to World War One the company manufactured their own engines including the 372cc unit already mentioned, a 349cc two stroke introduced at the outbreak of the Great War, a 532cc unit and vee twins displacing 896cc and 940cc. After the First World War the company ceased production of their own engines, using proprietary Blackburne units instead and in 1922 amalgamated with the Acme motorcycle company of Coventry. Rex-Acme continued to compete with success with Walter Handley as their star rider but following his departure in 1928 the company entered a period of decline that ultimately led to its sale in 1932 with motorcycle production ceasing the following year.
The machine offered dates from the Rex concerns halcyon days before World War One. The machine, which is powered by a Rex 896cc vee twin and two speed hub gear, was purchased by the vendor in 1979 from the collection of the late Oliver Langton. At the time of its purchase it was in original, "rough"condition requiring restoration. The vendor undertook the restoration completing the machine in March 2010. He carried out all the work himself with the exception of the plating and reconditioning the magneto. The machines components all original except for the wheel rims, spokes and mudguards which were beyond repair and had to be replaced, and the carburettor. The vendor informs us that it is in very good condition throughout following the completion of the restoration. It is fitted with a full lighting set and offered with a Swansea V5C, an Mot certificate valid until the 27th July 2011, a road fund licence valid until the end of July 2011 and a Pioneer Certificate issued by the Sunbeam Motorcycle Club.
PLEASE NOTE: The rear stand on this machine is broken - please do not move it.
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