1951 Norton 490cc International Model 30
Frame no. 13166 Engine no. 39352 F11

Collectors' Motorcycles at the Barber Museum|5 October 2019, 12:00 CDT|Birmingham, Barber Motorsports Museum

1951 Norton 490cc International Model 30
Frame no. 13166
Engine no. 39352 F11

One of the most charismatic model names in motorcycling history, 'International' was first used by Norton in 1932 for its top-of-the-range sports roadster. Nicknamed the 'Inter,' its overhead-camshaft engine had been developed in the works racers for the preceding two years, and although it retained the classic 79x100mm bore/stroke dimensions and shaft-and-bevels cam drive of the existing CS1, was otherwise entirely new. Based on the works bikes and intended for racing, the International could nevertheless be ordered with refinements such as lights and a kick-starter equipped gearbox. By the time production halted in 1939 it was being built with a 4-speed foot-change 'box and plunger rear suspension (then known as the 'Garden Gate' frame), reappearing after WW2 in similar guise save for the adoption of the hydraulically-damped Roadholder front fork, which replaced the pre-war girder. The Inter remained fundamentally unchanged until 1953 when it gained the race-developed Featherbed frame, all-alloy engine and 'laid down' gearbox. Expensive to make and challenged by cheaper parallel twins of comparable performance, the Inter ceased to be catalogued after 1955 but could still be obtained to special order until 1958, many of these later machines incorporating Manx components.

As a desirable Clubman model this Inter has come from a private Californian collection having been fully restored in the 1980s and on display since 1992. Its meticulous restoration nicely retained as much of its originality as was feasible. This lovely air-cooled, 490cc British single is set up to the Clubman/production racing specification which includes the optional alloy cylinder and Manx brakes.

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.

Saleroom notices

The frame number is F1139352. This is a matching numbers machine.

Additional information

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