
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 16HRegistration 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
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.
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.





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