Known for technical innovation, Rudge singles were among the first to employ four-valve heads, while as early as 1925 rear-front linked braking was available, both features well ahead of their time. In competition Rudges acquitted themselves well, coming home 1-2-3 in the 1930 Isle of Man Junior TT, and 1-2 in the Senior race. The year before, team rider Graham Walker had won the Ulster Grand Prix, leading to the Rudge Ulster replica, guaranteed to do 100 mph.

For the 1938 season the 250cc two-valve Sports, as seen here, was introduced. Sadly it would be among the last Rudges, as production ceased in December 1939 when the factory was switched over to radar manufacture for the war effort. This '38 Sports was found by restoration expert and former Rudge Club official Dave Spary in a very sorry state. A two-year-only model, missing parts were extremely hard to find, but Spary persisted and the payoff was huge. The restored Sports copped Best in Show and Best in Class honors at England's Bradford Show, and was named Best Post Vintage at the Stafford Classic Bike Show, among numerous other concours awards.

Purchased by the current owner in 2008, the award-winning Rudge, certainly one of the best of its breed, was brought over to the U.S., where it's remained on static display and seen no road use.