LOT 125
1957 Norton International Model 30 Engine no. 71782-11
Sold for US$12,650 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 125
1957 Norton International Model 30
1957 Norton International Model 30
Engine no. 71782-11
Engine no. 71782-11
*Displayed in a private museum
*Long term ownership
One of the most charismatic model names in motorcycling history, 'International' was first used by Norton for its top-of-the-range sports roadster in 1932. The Inter's overhead-camshaft engine had been developed in the works racers for the preceding two years, and although it retained the classic 79x100mm bore/stroke dimensions and shaft-and-bevels cam drive of the existing CS1, was entirely new. Based on the works bikes and intended for racing, the International could nevertheless be ordered with refinements such as lights and a kick-starter equipped gearbox. By the time production halted in 1939 it was being built with a four-speed foot-change 'box and plunger rear suspension (the 'Garden Gate' frame), reappearing after the war in similar guise save for the adoption of the hydraulically-damped Roadholder front fork, which replaced the pre-war girder. The Inter remained fundamentally unchanged until 1953 when it gained the race-developed Featherbed frame, all-alloy engine and 'laid down' gearbox. Expensive to make and challenged by cheaper parallel twins of comparable performance, the Inter ceased to be catalogued after 1955 but could still be obtained to special order until 1958, many of these later machines incorporating Manx components.
An opportunity to own of one Norton's desirable International's doesn't come around very often, with their racing pedigree engines to the sublime featherbed frame, they are one of the most desirable models in Norton's history. Little is known of it's history since the late vendor purchased it but it will need recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent due to a period of inactivity whilst being on display in their private museum.
*Long term ownership
One of the most charismatic model names in motorcycling history, 'International' was first used by Norton for its top-of-the-range sports roadster in 1932. The Inter's overhead-camshaft engine had been developed in the works racers for the preceding two years, and although it retained the classic 79x100mm bore/stroke dimensions and shaft-and-bevels cam drive of the existing CS1, was entirely new. Based on the works bikes and intended for racing, the International could nevertheless be ordered with refinements such as lights and a kick-starter equipped gearbox. By the time production halted in 1939 it was being built with a four-speed foot-change 'box and plunger rear suspension (the 'Garden Gate' frame), reappearing after the war in similar guise save for the adoption of the hydraulically-damped Roadholder front fork, which replaced the pre-war girder. The Inter remained fundamentally unchanged until 1953 when it gained the race-developed Featherbed frame, all-alloy engine and 'laid down' gearbox. Expensive to make and challenged by cheaper parallel twins of comparable performance, the Inter ceased to be catalogued after 1955 but could still be obtained to special order until 1958, many of these later machines incorporating Manx components.
An opportunity to own of one Norton's desirable International's doesn't come around very often, with their racing pedigree engines to the sublime featherbed frame, they are one of the most desirable models in Norton's history. Little is known of it's history since the late vendor purchased it but it will need recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent due to a period of inactivity whilst being on display in their private museum.
Saleroom notices
'Please note that the frame number is not visible / illegible'
Additional information
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