LOT 472

c.1959 Norton 745cc Featherbed / Commando Racing Motorcycle Registration no. unregistered Frame no. P122 79818 Engine no. 20M3S/141429

Sold for £4,025 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 472

c.1959 Norton 745cc Featherbed / Commando Racing Motorcycle

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

c.1959 Norton 745cc Featherbed / Commando Racing Motorcycle
Registration no. unregistered
Frame no. P122 79818
Engine no. 20M3S/141429

This Featherbed Norton race bike was built and raced by the owner, Richard Cook, during the early 1970s. The machine is equipped with a Wideline frame,750 Commando engine, Seeley swinging arm, Manx clutch, a Quaife 5-speed close ratio gearbox, external-spring short Roadholder forks, double-sided Seeley front brake, Manx rear conical hub, and Krober tachometer. He tasked Jim Boughen with preparation of the engine (invoice on file), which was rebuilt with a balanced crankshaft, triple S camshaft, Powermax pistons, and nimonic exhaust valves. The exhaust system was made by Owen Greenwood, the electronic ignition system was from Gus Kuhn, and other parts came from Paul Dunstall. The central alloy oil tank is Manx, and the petrol tank is a Lyta short-circuit Manx-type. Carburation is provided by a pair of Amal Concentrics. The owner raced the bike from 1972 to 1975 in British Championship events, since when it has languished unused, due to the owner having other priorities. There are photographs on file with the vendor racing it in 1973 at Mallory Park. It will provide a new custodian with the opportunity to participate in track days, classic events, or to be used in anger as an economic mount for classic racing exploits. The machine comes with some spare parts, including rear sprockets, carb jets, cam followers, racing plugs, and a (damaged) Seeley fairing. The bike is not road-registered, the only paperwork being invoices etc. from some of the above-named suppliers. The machine does not have a 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.

Saleroom notices

There is no primary chain fitted hence we are unable to confirm whether or not the engine turns over. Prospective bidders must satisfy themselves as to the condition and completeness of the machine prior to bidding.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
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