LOT 122

Property of a deceased's estate 1931 Norton 490cc Model 18/20 Project (see text) Registration no. not registered Frame no. 20 45185 Engine no. none visible (barrel stamped 48110)

Sold for £4,025 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 122

Property of a deceased's estate, 1931 Norton 490cc Model 18/20 Project (see text)
Registration no. not registered Frame no. 20 45185 Engine no. none visible (barrel stamped 48110)

The Summer Sale - The International Classic MotorCycle Show (Three-Day Auction)|2 July 2021, 12:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

Property of a deceased's estate
1931 Norton 490cc Model 18/20 Project (see text)
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. 20 45185
Engine no. none visible (barrel stamped 48110)

Like the majority of its contemporaries, Norton relied on the sidevalve engine until the 1920s, when the existing and well-tried 490cc unit was used as the basis for the firm's first overhead-valve design. After debuting on the racetrack, a road-going version - the Model 18 - was catalogued for 1923, quickly establishing a reputation for both speed and reliability. A slightly more expensive twin-port variant - the Model 20 - joined the line-up for 1930, but before long Norton's essentially Vintage range would be comprehensively revised. In 1931 the sidevalve and overhead-valve models were extensively redesigned, dry-sump lubrication and a rear-mounted magneto being standardised. There were further improvements made throughout the 1930s, including enclosure of the valve gear and a foot-change gearbox by the decade's end. The Model 18 was revived when Norton recommenced production in 1946 but the deleted twin-port Model 20 was destined to remain but a fond memory.

Despite having significant characteristics of the Model 20 - '20' frame number prefix and a twin-port cylinder head - this machine is recorded in the factory records as a Model 18 (see letter on file). This motorcycle's condition, completeness, and correctness is not known and thus it is sold strictly as viewed.

Additional information

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Cycling, Motorcycle Spares and Memorabilia (Lots 201 to 551)
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