LOT 213

Offered from the National Motorcycle Museum Collection 1974 Norton 829cc John Player Commando Registration no. CCA 214M Frame no. 000128 Engine no. 318048

Sold for £14,950 inc. premium

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Lot 213

Offered from the National Motorcycle Museum Collection, 1974 Norton 829cc John Player Commando
Registration no. CCA 214M Frame no. 000128 Engine no. 318048

The Winter Sale - including The National Motorcycle Museum Reserve Collection - Bicester Heritage|11 December 2020, 11:00 GMT|Bicester, Bicester Heritage

Offered from the National Motorcycle Museum Collection
1974 Norton 829cc John Player Commando
Registration no. CCA 214M
Frame no. 000128
Engine no. 318048

The Commando's vibration-beating Isolastic frame enabled Norton Villiers successfully to prolong the life of their ageing parallel twin. Launched in 1967, the Commando was an instant hit with the motorcycling public, being voted 'Machine of the Year' for five consecutive years. It might have been a little down in top speed compared to rivals such as BSA-Triumph's 750 triples and Honda's 750 four, but the Commando more than made up for this minor deficiency with superior mid-range torque and steadier handling. Reflecting the Norton racing team's sponsorship by the John Player tobacco company, a new Commando model – the 'John Player Norton' or 'JPN' for short – was announced for the 1974 season. Boasting a streamlined half-fairing and matching tank/seat unit in John Player livery, the café racer-styled JPN came with a choice of engines: the standard 829cc motor or a short-stroke 749cc unit intended for production racing. A top-of-the-range, limited edition model produced for only a couple of seasons (1,000 were envisaged but only around 200 made), it is now one of the most sought-after members of the Commando family. Purchased by the National Motorcycle Museum in November 2003, this original JPN Commando is offered with a Certificate of Manufacture; an expired MoT (2004); and a V5C document. The machine's mechanical condition is not known; accordingly, prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to its condition, completeness, correctness, or otherwise prior to bidding.

Footnotes

The original manufactures plaque records the frame number as 318048 and a supply date of 10/74. However there is a second factory frame number stamped into the steering head 000128 as recorded to the V5C and catalogue.

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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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