LOT 532

1915 Norton 633cc Big Four Registration no. SV 5021 Frame no. 3370 Engine no. BA1587

Sold for £12,650 inc. premium

Lot 532

1915 Norton 633cc Big Four
Registration no. SV 5021 Frame no. 3370 Engine no. BA1587

The Autumn Stafford Sale – The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|16 October 2022, 10:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1915 Norton 633cc Big Four
Registration no. SV 5021
Frame no. 3370
Engine no. BA1587

Norton relied on proprietary engines in its formative years - winning the inaugural Isle of Man TT with a Peugeot-engined machine - before introducing its own design of power unit in 1907. The long-stroke (82x120mm) sidevalve single displaced 633cc and the new model it powered became known as the 'Big 4'. Smaller capacity versions followed and in 1911 the 500 adopted the classic 79x100mm bore/stroke dimensions which would characterise the half-litre (actually 490cc) Norton for the next 50 years. Norton's sidevalve engines were revised for 1914 and in 1921 the Model 16, as it had become known, received a new lower frame, becoming the 16H. Considered by many to be an ideal sidecar 'tug', the Big Four (and 16H) would be continuously up-dated for the next 30-plus years, many seeing service with Allied forces in WW2. Post-war, the Big Four was revised with a shorter (113mm) stroke for a capacity of 597cc before taking its final bow, alongside the 16H, in 1954.

This Big Four was registered to the vendor's late father on 8th January 1993. Accompanying paperwork includes a VMCC dating statement; photocopied parts list and brochure pages; registration correspondence; a V5C document; and two MoTs (most recent expired 1997). Not run for a number of years, the machine will require re-commissioning before further use and thus is sold strictly as viewed.
Key not required

Footnotes

All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

Saleroom notices

The frame number is indecipherable.

Additional information

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