LOT 487

Property of a deceased's estate 1926 Norton 490cc Model 16H Registration no. PP 7097 Frame no. 24707 Engine no. 31816

Sold for £17,250 inc. premium

Lot 487

Property of a deceased's estate, 1926 Norton 490cc Model 16H

The Autumn Stafford Sale – The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|14 October 2023, 10:30 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

Property of a deceased's estate
1926 Norton 490cc Model 16H
Registration no. PP 7097
Frame no. 24707
Engine no. 31816

Having hitherto relied on proprietary engines, Norton introduced its own in 1907. The long-stroke 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. The 490cc engine was revised for 1914 and in 1921 the Model 16, as it had become known, received a new lower frame, becoming the 16H. Norton's trusty sidevalve would be continuously updated for the next 30-plus years, many seeing service with Allied forces in WW2, before taking its final bow in 1954.

This Model 16H 'flat tanker' was dispatched from the factory on 29th October 1926 to Catling Motorcycles of Chesham. The machine is believed to have been registered to W G Arnold of Cirencester from 1949-1955; to Roullier Hinton Fris of Woking from 1988-1999; and from then to 2001 to someone called Hudson of Walton-on-Thames. The Norton has belonged to our vendor since 2001.

Presented in 'oily rag' condition, apparently complete, the machine is believed not to have run for over 10 years and will require recommissioning before returning to the road (the engine turns over on the kickstart). A beautiful 'time warp' example in a condition we all love to see, this delightful 16H is offered with a V5C and copy of factory records.
Key not required

Footnotes

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