A rare and historically significant 1926 HRD 499cc Model 90 from The David Plant Collection is set to cross the block at the Bonhams Spring Stafford Sale, held at the International Classic MotorCycle Show, Stafford, on April 25–26 (sponsored by Carole Nash).
Registered as MN 4448 (Isle of Man), this Vintage-era HRD carries frame number 551J 7D (see notes below) and engine number KOR/A 39355*, and represents an increasingly scarce example of early HRD production — a marque whose legacy would later be continued under Philip Vincent.
From TT-winning roots to post-war Vintage racing
HRD (Howard Raymond Davies) was founded in 1924 by Howard Raymond Davies following notable competition success while at AJS, including 2nd place in the 1921 Isle of Man TT Junior race and 1st in the Senior TT using a ‘350’ engine. Davies quickly replicated that success under his own name in 1925, again finishing 2nd in the Junior and 1st in the Senior TT. Despite this early promise, HRD Motors Ltd was declared bankrupt in March 1928.
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Phil Heath’s recreation of a TT-winning machine
This particular machine has a fascinating later history. It was raced in the 1960s and ’70s by well-known motorcycle journalist and privateer racer Phil Heath, who originally assembled it from a collection of parts, carefully replicating illustrations of Davies’ TT-winning motorcycle.
According to a Vintage road test by Titch Allen (included in the file), Heath later replaced a worn original engine with a correct-type JAP unit, modifying it with the appropriate single-port cylinder head in place of the standard two-port version.
Initially used in Vintage rallies and the MCC Land’s End Trial, the HRD went on to demonstrate impressive performance at a Vincent HRD Owners’ Club meeting at Cadwell Park. Encouraged by its handling, Heath entered the bike into Vintage club races, including at Mallory Park, where it reportedly led a strong field until a late spark plug failure. A speed trap recorded 78mph, and the machine subsequently achieved several placings in competition.
Mechanical work and current condition
The history file includes a July 2008 invoice from Cameron Engineering & Motorsport Ltd for a comprehensive engine rebuild. Work carried out included:
- Machining and replacement of valve seat inserts with hardened versions
- New crank pin and con-rod sleeve
- Barrel bored to 86.5mm with a new forged piston and little-end bush
- Replacement of cylinder head components (valves, guides, springs, clips and collets)
- New cam followers, pushers and adjusters
- Modified breather system to improve lubrication during running-in
Since this rebuild, the engine has reportedly not been run. The machine retains older paintwork with an appealing patina, though some rubber components have deteriorated.
Documentation and noted discrepancies
The HRD was last taxed in the Isle of Man until August 2016, and the file includes an MoT certificate dated March 2000. The Isle of Man registration document corresponds with frame number ‘551’.
However, there is a notable discrepancy in the documentation:
- A photocopy of an old-style V5C (in the vendor’s name) lists frame number ‘537’ and engine number KOR/T58267, with a first registration date of 28 April 1926
- Bonhams notes it has been unable to locate ‘537’ stamped on the frame, which instead carries a different number
The file also contains supporting literature, invoices, and a period advertisement from The Motor Cycle (7 April 1927), listing the Super 90 model at 98 guineas.
An exceptionally rare survivor
It is estimated that only a tiny handful of these HRD Model 90 machines survives today, making this a rare opportunity for collectors of early British motorcycles. The engine currently turns over.
With its combination of TT lineage, period competition history, and documented restoration work, this HRD is expected to attract significant interest when it appears at Stafford later this month.
