c.1956 Norton 499cc Gold Star DBD34

Registration no. not registered Frame no. 122 52601 Engine no. DBD34 GS 2613

Ultimate single-cylinder special
• Vendor advises he has carried out complete restoration
• Unused since completion

In the 1950s and 60s the benchmark for motorcycle handling was the ground-breaking Norton featherbed frame. Developed by the McCandless brothers for use on the all-conquering Manx racer, the Featherbed frame, coupled with the Roadholder forks, set new standards which other makers could only dream of. Introduced initially for the racer, the featherbed was gradually incorporated into most of the other Norton models from 350cc upwards. It is no surprise, therefore, that its reputation led to it being utilised in home-brewed specials of the day, used by racers of both track and café varieties. The situation was encouraged by two factors; initially the use of Manx Norton engines in Formula Three racing cars, then later, as the frame was used in more models, the relative fragility of the Norton twin engines also provided a source of rolling chassis. Engines of choice for the specials were usually the Triumph twin which was in plentiful supply, easily tuneable, and possessing a chassis which was not the best. This, therefore, was the normal route to the track or café for the special builder. A few, however, who perhaps had fatter wallets, indulged their search for the ultimate road racer with slightly more radical (and expensive) power plants such as the Vincent twin, or, as here, the darling of the café racer set, the BSA Gold Star. Taken from the beautiful, and iconic DBD34, the race-proven Goldie engine provided a reliable, powerful, and slightly exotic motor.

The vendor of this well-presented machine purchased the components in South Africa, taking the engine from a racing machine and obtaining the Dominator frame to accompany it. It was shipped back to the UK when he returned here to live, and subsequently found the time to complete the restoration of his ideal special which he thought he may use for track days or parades. He advises that he has rebuilt the engine, standard gearbox, and cycle parts, refurbishing or replacing anything that was needed, and a Triumph clutch was fitted. A 5-gallon Manx-type petrol tank and central oil tank are utilised, and the engine breathes through an Amal Grand Prix carburettor. The rebuild was completed in approximately 2016, since when the bike has been dry-stored, started on occasions, but never used on the road. The machine fired up readily on consignment, sounding as a Goldie motor should. Running on Castrol R40, the Norton Goldie will require basic safety checks and modest commissioning prior to careful running-in of the fresh rebuild prior to use by a new owner. Documentation with the machine comprises a small number of receipts.