Skip to main content

LOT 581

c.1941/1946 Norton 490cc Model 16H Registration no. not registered Frame no. W1056 Engine no. W66976

Sold for £4,485 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 581

c.1941/1946 Norton 490cc Model 16H
Registration no. not registered Frame no. W1056 Engine no. W66976

c.1941/1946 Norton 490cc Model 16H
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. W1056
Engine no. W66976

Having hitherto relied on proprietary engines, Norton introduced its own power unit in 1907. The long-stroke sidevalve single displaced 633cc and the new model it powered became known as the 'Big 4'. Smaller capacity versions followed, and in 1911 the '500' adopted the classic 79x100mm bore and stroke dimensions that would characterise the half-litre (actually 490cc) Norton for the next 50 years. Norton's new sidevalve was among the fastest in its class, being the first machine under 500cc to be officially timed at over 70mph, which was some going for 1911. Small wonder that the slogan 'Unapproachable' began to be applied to the Norton singles at around this time. The 490cc engine was revised for 1914 and the following year gained a new frame with lowered riding position together with the option of a Sturmey Archer three-speed gearbox. When fitted with chain drive, the 490cc sidevalve single became the 'Model 16' in Norton's numbering system, changing to '16H' in 1921 when a new lower frame was introduced. Norton's trusty 16H sidevalve would be continuously up-dated for the next 30-plus years before taking its final bow, alongside the Big 4, in 1954.

The ex-War Department 16H offered here is fitted with an engine dating from 1946. The machine has been re-commissioned by Tim Walker Restorations (date unknown). This machine was purchased from Bonhams in 2017 at our Spring Stafford Sale. No work has been undertaken since purchased and has since been dry-stored. Prospective bidders will need to satisfy themselves as to the mechanical condition of the machine which will need recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent. There are no documents with this Lot.

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

Own a similar item?

Submit your item online for a free auction estimate.

How to sell

Looking for a similar item?

Our Motorcycles specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.

Find your local specialist

Specialist section

Auction Viewings

  • 28 April 2001, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
  • 27 April 2019, 09:00 - 18:00 BST

Bid now on these items

1971 Kawasaki 500 Mach III
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1971 Kawasaki 500 Mach III

£3,000 - £5,000
1926 Triumph 494cc
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1926 Triumph 494cc

£4,000 - £6,000
1934 Austin Seven 65
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1934 Austin Seven 65

£4,000 - £6,000
1936 Austin 7 Ruby,
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1936 Austin 7 Ruby,

£3,200 - £4,000
Triumph 5T
United Kingdom
Coming soon

Triumph 5T

£3,000 - £4,000
Triumph Tiger 100
United Kingdom
Coming soon

Triumph Tiger 100

£3,000 - £4,000
1915 Douglas 350cc 2¾hp
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1915 Douglas 350cc 2¾hp

£4,000 - £5,000
Triumph 6T
United Kingdom
Coming soon

Triumph 6T

£3,000 - £4,000
1952 Vincent 499cc Series-C Comet
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1952 Vincent 499cc Series-C Comet

£5,000 - £7,000
Triumph 6T
United Kingdom
Coming soon

Triumph 6T

£3,000 - £4,000
1921 Triumph 550cc Model H
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1921 Triumph 550cc Model H

£4,000 - £5,000
1916 Radco 211cc
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1916 Radco 211cc

£3,400 - £4,400
The Ex-John Goodall, 3rd Place, 2003 Manx Grand Prix, Senior, Matchless 500cc G50 Racing Motorcycle
United Kingdom
Coming soon

The Ex-John Goodall, 3rd Place, 2003 Manx Grand Prix, Senior, Matchless 500cc G50 Racing Motorcycle

£5,000 - £7,000
1974 Moto Guzzi 750S
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1974 Moto Guzzi 750S

£4,000 - £6,000
The Ex-John Goodall, 4th Place, 2007 Manx Grand Prix, Junior, AJS 350cc Racing Motorcycle
United Kingdom
Coming soon

The Ex-John Goodall, 4th Place, 2007 Manx Grand Prix, Junior, AJS 350cc Racing Motorcycle

£5,000 - £7,000
A Michaux & Cie Velocipede, circa 1870,
United Kingdom

A Michaux & Cie Velocipede, circa 1870,

£4,000 - £6,000
A 56 inch Ordinary bicycle by Thomas Smith, circa 1885,
United Kingdom

A 56 inch Ordinary bicycle by Thomas Smith, circa 1885,

£3,500 - £4,500