LOT 580

1950 Norton 499cc ES2 / International Registration no. EFK 70 Frame no. E4 31175 Engine no. 69730 E11

Sold for £12,650 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

Lot 580

1950 Norton 499cc ES2 / International
Registration no. EFK 70 Frame no. E4 31175 Engine no. 69730 E11

The Spring Stafford Sale - The International Classic MotorCycle Show|28 April 2019, 10:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1950 Norton 499cc ES2 / International
Registration no. EFK 70
Frame no. E4 31175
Engine no. 69730 E11

• Long term ownership
• Well-sorted overhead cam special
• Road registered

Norton burst onto the motorcycling scene in 1907 with a victory in the twin-cylinder class of the inaugural Isle of Man Tourist Trophy. Rem Fowler was the privateer rider on the Norton mount which was powered by a Peugeot v-twin engine. Despite having produced very few motorcycles prior to that time, the victory proved to be a pivotal moment in the company's history. This success spurred James Norton on to improve and expand motorcycle production and, whilst a second TT success would not follow until 1924, the die was cast, and the future for Norton was onward and upward. Norton were best known for their production of single cylinder machines and, from their first motorcycle in 1902, throughout the teens, twenties and thirties, a succession of sporting machinery left Bracebridge Street, in addition to more workaday mounts.

The jewel in the crown of the Norton range was the CS1, their first overhead camshaft model, introduced for the 1928 season, which was joined the following year by a 350cc version, the CJ, both remaining in the range until the outbreak of war in 1939. Redesigned by Arthur Carroll, the camshaft models were added to in 1932 by two new models, the International model 40 and model 30, which were based on previous works racing developments, and aimed squarely at the racing and sporting markets. After World War Two, the CS1 and CJ were not re-introduced, but the International models were continued, complemented by the Manx racing models.

This overhead camshaft Norton special was purchased by the vendor in the late 1960s. Over the intervening years it has been well maintained, and the owner has used it for racing in VMCC events at Mallory Park and Oulton Park; also for road use and on VMCC runs, events, and local shows. Based on the ES2 frame, with a 500 International engine, it is fitted with a Brooklands can, tachometer, Manx front hub / brake, a BTH magneto, and the owner advises us that it is fitted with close-ratio gears. Whilst racing the bike at Oulton Park, the vendor tells us he has seen over 100mph on the speedometer on the back straight.

Unfortunately, due to advancing years, the owner can no longer use the bike as he once did, and feels it is therefore time to let a new owner have the benefit of it. It has not been used for approximately five years and is presently on SORN. Consequently, EFK 70 will require a degree of re-commissioning before use by a new owner. Documentation comprises a current V5C, some invoices, and photocopy pages of an instruction book and parts list. Also included are a front wheel, headlamp, headlamp fork shrouds, and a tail lamp.

Footnotes

As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

Additional information

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