LOT 4

1969 Norton 646cc Mercury Registration no. XUL 726H Frame no. 18 129302 Engine no. 18SS 129302

Sold for £4,370 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

Lot 4

1969 Norton 646cc Mercury
Registration no. XUL 726H Frame no. 18 129302 Engine no. 18SS 129302

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

1969 Norton 646cc Mercury
Registration no. XUL 726H
Frame no. 18 129302
Engine no. 18SS 129302

Norton launched its first 650cc twin, the US-market Manxman, in 1960. Available in Europe the following year as the Dominator 650, the newcomer was built in standard, De Luxe, and SS variants, all of which featured a new cylinder head with downdraft inlet ports and, on the sports models, twin Amal carburettors. With 49bhp on tap, plentiful low-down torque, and exemplary handling courtesy of its race-proven Featherbed frame, the 650SS was one of the outstanding sports motorcycles of the 1960s, being more than a match for Triumph's Bonneville in terms of all-round performance. The name changed to Mercury in September 1968 and production ceased early in 1970 after an estimated 750-or-so of this re-titled model had been built, most of which were exported to the USA.

This Mercury was purchased as a restoration project from a UK auction in July 2015, described as 'garage stored during its last two ownerships' (catalogue on file). Offered for restoration, the machine displays a total of 18,962 miles on the odometer and was last taxed in October 1985. The front brake appears to be non-standard. Accompanying documentation consists of the 2015 purchase invoice and a V5C Registration Certificate.

Saleroom notices

The engine number is 18SS 129302/P Please click the link to view the walkaround video of Lot 4: click here

Additional information

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