• Landmark model for Norton
• An older restoration
• Last run in September 2020

Norton relied on proprietary engines in its formative years - winning the inaugural Isle of Man TT with a Peugeot-engined machine - before introducing its own design of 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. The following year Norton-mounted Jack Emerson easily won the 150-mile Brooklands TT against a field of more experienced competitors (setting three long-distance records in the process) having ridden his machine down from Hull! Small wonder that the slogan 'Unapproachable' began to be applied to the Norton singles at around this time. Tuner/rider D R O'Donovan's work at the Weybridge track resulted in a flood of new speed records, including 81.05mph for the flying kilometre in April 1914, the first occasion 80mph had been exceeded by a 500cc machine. O'Donovan's successes led to the introduction of tuned 'Brooklands' models, and these highly developed sports versions continued into the 1920s.

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, and then changed 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 - along with the Big 4 - in 1954.

Restored in 1959, this 16H was last run in September 2020 and is described by the private vendor as in generally good condition, with patinated brightwork. The Norton is currently resident in Sweden and comes with Swedish registration/'MoT' paperwork, a maintenance instruction book, and a (copy) manual. A pillion seat and a pair of leather panniers are included in the sale, and it should be noted that the exhaust system is that of a 1930 model 16H.