In 1923, Mr George Petty , proprietor of Maude's Motor Mart donated a "challenge trophy" for the ACU (Auto-Cycle Union) to award annually for the most meritorious, observed endurance test for motorcycles.
Some Milestones
1923 - 1926 Norton win every year.
1927 - Ariel run a 557cc sidecar outfit for 5,000 miles without stopping the engine.
1929 - Dunelt won the Maudes Trophy in 1929, covering 25,000 miles.
1930s - Dominated by Triumph and BSA.
Stanley Show 1910
Maude's Motor Mart.
This exhibit consists of motor-cycles and a plated sidecar chassis. The motor-cycles include Motosacoche, Ariel, Enfield, Rex, Matchless, Hobart Bird, N.S.U., and F.N. makes.
How Dunelt Won Maudes Trophy
FOR the second year in succession the manufacturers of Dunelt motor cycles have been awarded the coveted Maudes Trophy for 1930-31 by the Auto Cycle Union of England.
The feat which brought this distinction was the endurance performance of a standard 500 c.c. b.h.v., 2-port Dunelt solo, which lapped the T.T. course on the Isle of Man no fewer than 350 times (a distance of 13,199 miles) in 16 days and nights.
Practically the most appalling weather conditions imaginable were encountered. Snow, ice, fog and gales harassed the relays of riders day after day and night after night. For most of the test the wheels of the Dunelt looked like fantastic spider webs, with the abundance of icicles clinging to the spokes. Br-r-r-r, quick, turn on the radiator!
REAL PLUCK.
Still, the noble souls who kept the Dunelt pushing its way over the ice and snow-bound roads were made up of the right stuff, and to their utmost satisfaction they saw the Dunelt complete one of the most remarkable endurance feats in motor cycling history. Several important statistics were compiled in connection with the test. It was estimated that 35,000 corners were turned; the climbing totalled 700,000 feet - equal to 24 times the height of Mt. Everest - while Ballig Bridge, the recognised smasher of frames and wheels, was jumped 350 times.
The whole test was continually observed by the English Auto Cycle Union representatives, and after the test the machine was certified as mechanically O.K. by the A.C.U. Much interest is attached to the winning of the Maudes Trophy, because it is awarded yearly to the manufacturer of the motor cycle which, in the opinion of the A.C.U., achieves the most meritorious performance of the year.
For the term 1929-30 the Dunelt manufacturers gained the trophy in recognition of the 25,000 miles' endurance run by a 350 c.c., o.h.v., 2-port Dunelt at Montlhery.
Australian Cycling & Motor Cycling magazine, Jan 1931 Trove NLA
Sources: Graces Guide, Trove NLA.
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