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LOT 124

Property of a deceased's estate 1931 Norton 490cc Model 18 Registration no. GO 2317 Frame no. 44619 Engine no. 51127

Sold for £7,475 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 124

Property of a deceased's estate, 1931 Norton 490cc Model 18
Registration no. GO 2317 Frame no. 44619 Engine no. 51127

Property of a deceased's estate
1931 Norton 490cc Model 18
Registration no. GO 2317
Frame no. 44619
Engine no. 51127

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. The Model 18 retained its essentially Vintage characteristics until 1931 when the range was extensively redesigned, dry-sump lubrication and rear-mounted magneto being standardised. There were numerous improvements made to the engine throughout the 1930s while Norton's own four-speed foot-change gearbox replaced the old Sturmey Archer in 1935. Production of an essentially unchanged 1939 model resumed after WW2.

Science Museum correspondence on file reveals that this Model 18, frame/engine numbers '44619'/'51127', was retailed via Beach Motors and sold new to one P W Moss of East Dulwich, South London. It was delivered equipped with the foot-change gearbox and a dynamo. Other correspondence shows that in 2001 its late owner succeeded in retrieving the original registration number, 'GO 2317', which is non-transferable. Last taxed to 31st March 2012, the machine is offered with a quantity of SORNs, MoT certificates, and V5C registration documents. This motorcycle's condition, completeness, and correctness is not known and thus it is sold strictly as viewed.

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