LOT 424

1927 Norton 490cc Model 18 Racing Motorcycle Project Registration no. PRN 432 Frame no. 27739 Engine no. 35037

Sold for £13,800 inc. premium

Lot 424

1927 Norton 490cc Model 18 Racing Motorcycle Project
Registration no. PRN 432 Frame no. 27739 Engine no. 35037

The Autumn Stafford Sale: The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|20 October 2019, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1927 Norton 490cc Model 18 Racing Motorcycle Project
Registration no. PRN 432
Frame no. 27739
Engine no. 35037

Daniel O'Donovan set a range of World and speed records for Norton, and specially tuned their BS and BRS models at Brooklands, in addition to fettling Norton's factory racers. This mercurial talent was instrumental in Norton's prosperity from 1913 onwards, and into the introduction of the Model 18 overhead valve engine in 1922. With a second wind from ohv power, O'Donovan and Norton pushed on to further records and, with Albert Denly on board, Norton set several records at Montlhery in 1927, including 100 miles in an hour on a model 18. This Model 18 racer project is a fascinating machine, which appears not to have been registered for the road until 1963. The original RF60 buff log book records that it was first registered on 24th April 1961, and declares that it was 'used as a racing machine before date at (j) on page 8'. Factory records show that it is a matching-numbers bike, which was despatched on 7th May 1927 to O'Donovan Motors Ltd. One wonders whether this was the great man himself, who was in business with H. H. Beach during the 1920s. 'PRN 432' is incomplete, and in need of restoration, but presents a new owner with an ideal opportunity to have the pleasure of returning it to its former glory for a modest outlay. Sold strictly as viewed, prospective bidders must satisfy themselves as to the completeness, or otherwise, of this project prior to bidding. Documentation comprises the aforementioned RF60 buff log book.

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

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
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Collectors' Motorcycles Clearance
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Unit 15 Lymington Enterprise Centre
Ampress Park
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SO41 8LZ
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Vehicle Removal charges to store in Chobham
£115 + VAT per motorcycle
£165 + VAT per motorcycle combination
Storage charges
£10.00 + VAT per day per motorcycle
£16.00 + VAT per day per motorcycle combination
Limited transport is available to Oxfordshire by request with Straight Eight Logistics
£100 + VAT per motorcycle
£145 + VAT per motorcycle combination
Storage charges
£10.00 + VAT per day per motorcycle
£16.00 + VAT per day per motorcycle combination
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Storage Notices
Motorcycle Spares and Memorabilia Clearance
All purchased lots must be cleared from the sale venue by 7pm Sunday 20 October 2019.
To arrange collection please contact the Motorcycle Department +44 (0) 20 8963 2817 or [email protected] to make an appointment.
All lots will be charged a minimum of £12+VAT uplift and storage at £1+VAT per day per lot.
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