
LOT 744
1937 Norton 490cc Model 30 International Registration no. 169 XUK Frame no. 80556 Forks No. 38754 Engine no. 76069
Sold for £32,200 inc. premium
Lot 744
1937 Norton 490cc Model 30 InternationalRegistration no. 169 XUK Frame no. 80556 Forks No. 38754 Engine no. 76069
1937 Norton 490cc Model 30 International
Registration no. 169 XUK
Frame no. 80556 Forks No. 38754
Engine no. 76069
Registration no. 169 XUK
Frame no. 80556 Forks No. 38754
Engine no. 76069
• Impeccable example of Norton's sports model
• Rare fully matching numbers of engine, frame, gearbox, and forks.
• Engine, gearbox and clutch rebuilt by specialist Stuart Rogers
• Dating certificates from Norton Owners Club and Roy Bacon
• Comprehensive record of restoration work done
The Arthur Carroll designed overhead camshaft 'International' was the cream of the Norton company's crop from its introduction in 1931, both as a very rapid sports model and its development as a racing machine. The factory team were almost unbeatable in the 500c class in international racing through the 30s, and a glance at any racing photograph from that era will show the close likeness to the road going version until rear suspension arrived on the factory racing machines in 1937. But that single cylinder engine remained a formidable upholder of the British racing reputation until development of supercharged BMW twins and Gilera fours could outpace them as the decade drew to a close and Europe entered into a conflict that stopped racing.
This outstanding period correct example of the breed was despatched from Birmingham in June 1937 to Keep Brothers of Capitol, South Africa and remained there until re-imported to the UK in April 2008. Purchased by the vendor in April 2011, it has been the subject of a complete restoration to concours standard, including an engine rebuild by the renowned Stuart Rogers and much other work by him, including an O-ring added to the kickstart shaft to prevent oil leaks that are a characteristic of the model of this period.
Comprehensive details of restoration work done and bills in support are part of the accompanying records, along with a copy of the South African registration and dating certificates from both the Norton Owners MCC and author the late Roy Bacon. Searching for and fitting correct period parts such as the Andre damper, an Altette horn and a Dunlop saddle have been part of the vendor's patient development of the motorcycle to its current very high standard.
The Norton wears a new silencer, and the original is part of the spares package that comes with the sale, as is the correct Amal TT carburettor while the Concentric type currently in place gives a more flexible performance. This is typical of the vendor's thorough approach that is reflected throughout the machine. It has covered only 500 miles since the work was finished and is ready to serve its new owner well as an exciting road machine, an impressive track day classic specimen or to simply grace a home where such quality and history is appreciated.
• Rare fully matching numbers of engine, frame, gearbox, and forks.
• Engine, gearbox and clutch rebuilt by specialist Stuart Rogers
• Dating certificates from Norton Owners Club and Roy Bacon
• Comprehensive record of restoration work done
The Arthur Carroll designed overhead camshaft 'International' was the cream of the Norton company's crop from its introduction in 1931, both as a very rapid sports model and its development as a racing machine. The factory team were almost unbeatable in the 500c class in international racing through the 30s, and a glance at any racing photograph from that era will show the close likeness to the road going version until rear suspension arrived on the factory racing machines in 1937. But that single cylinder engine remained a formidable upholder of the British racing reputation until development of supercharged BMW twins and Gilera fours could outpace them as the decade drew to a close and Europe entered into a conflict that stopped racing.
This outstanding period correct example of the breed was despatched from Birmingham in June 1937 to Keep Brothers of Capitol, South Africa and remained there until re-imported to the UK in April 2008. Purchased by the vendor in April 2011, it has been the subject of a complete restoration to concours standard, including an engine rebuild by the renowned Stuart Rogers and much other work by him, including an O-ring added to the kickstart shaft to prevent oil leaks that are a characteristic of the model of this period.
Comprehensive details of restoration work done and bills in support are part of the accompanying records, along with a copy of the South African registration and dating certificates from both the Norton Owners MCC and author the late Roy Bacon. Searching for and fitting correct period parts such as the Andre damper, an Altette horn and a Dunlop saddle have been part of the vendor's patient development of the motorcycle to its current very high standard.
The Norton wears a new silencer, and the original is part of the spares package that comes with the sale, as is the correct Amal TT carburettor while the Concentric type currently in place gives a more flexible performance. This is typical of the vendor's thorough approach that is reflected throughout the machine. It has covered only 500 miles since the work was finished and is ready to serve its new owner well as an exciting road machine, an impressive track day classic specimen or to simply grace a home where such quality and history is appreciated.
Saleroom notices
The frame number is 30 80556. The restoration consist of later stainless steel spokes and nuts, ammeter, regulator, modern pattern dipswitch and horn or kill button and modern voltage regulator. There is a V5C with this lot. Please click the link to view the walkaround video of Lot 744: click here





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