LOT 371

1988 Norton 588cc Classic Registration no. E86 UFD Frame no. LE014 Engine no. LE014

Sold for £10,810 inc. premium

Lot 371

1988 Norton 588cc Classic

The Spring Stafford Sale - The International Classic MotorCycle Show|22 April 2023, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1988 Norton 588cc Classic
Registration no. E86 UFD
Frame no. LE014
Engine no. LE014

After a lengthy development programme commenced in the 1970s by Norton-Villiers-Triumph, Norton's rotary-engined roadster debuted in 1982 as the police-specification Interpol, though it would be 1987 before the motorcycling public got to sample the rotary's excellent handling and smooth, almost vibration-free engine in the form of the un-faired civilian Classic. The Classic used Norton's twin-rotor 588cc engine in its original, air-cooled form (the later Commander was water-cooled), coupled to a five-speed gearbox with left-side 'change. This compact unit was slung beneath a tubular spine frame suspended by Marzocchi at the front and Koni at the rear. Triple disc braking was courtesy of Italian Brembos. With 79bhp on tap, the Classic's performance was on a par with that of contemporary Japanese 600s: a top speed of 125mph and a standing quarter-mile time of 12-and-a-bit seconds being easily achievable. Conceived as a limited edition model - only 100 were made - the Classic is today one of the most collectible of modern Nortons.

The 14th of the 100 built, this Classic was sold new to the current owner and has covered only 1,304 miles from new. Dry stored its entire life, the machine comes with the original purchase receipt; sundry invoices; MoT to 5th May 2023; and a Norton certificate stating ownership of the 14th Classic made. Offered with key.

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.

Additional information

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