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LOT 508

1954 Norton 497cc 'Dominator 88' Registration no. 550 BMW Frame no. J122 57883 Engine no. 61269 K122

Sold for £4,600 inc. premium

1954 Norton 497cc 'Dominator 88'
Registration no. 550 BMW
Frame no. J122 57883
Engine no. 61269 K122

Norton jumped aboard the vertical-twin bandwagon in 1948 when it introduced the Model 7. Designed by the legendary Bert Hopwood, the new 500cc engine went into the existing ES2 chassis, a marriage that necessitated a redesign of Norton's well-proven four-speed gearbox. In November 1951 Norton's 500cc twin found a new home in the racing singles' 'Featherbed' duplex frame. Initially for export only, the newcomer - titled 'Dominator 88' - was the first production Norton roadster to feature the lightweight, race-proven chassis. Updated year by year, the Dominator had received an alloy cylinder head, full-width hubs, welded rear sub-frame, alternator electrics and coil ignition by the decade's end and - for 1960 - the narrower 'slimline' Featherbed frame among countless other improvements. Motor Cycle magazine clocked 92mph on an '88' in 1957 and, needless to say, the handling and roadholding were found to be first class.

Sadly, little is known of this Norton's history but it was purchased by the current vendor a couple of years ago where it has been dry stored but not started therefore will need recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road. Documentation offered consists of a V5C, V5, expired MoT's and invoices.
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 Vehicle Registration Number is 550 BMX.

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