LOT 210

Property of a deceased's estate c.1940 Norton 490cc Model 16H Military Motorcycle Project Registration no. not registered Frame no. W20097 Engine no. W78614

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

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Lot 210

Property of a deceased's estate, c.1940 Norton 490cc Model 16H Military Motorcycle Project

The Spring Stafford Sale - The International Classic MotorCycle Show|20 April 2024, 14:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

Property of a deceased's estate
c.1940 Norton 490cc Model 16H Military Motorcycle Project
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. W20097
Engine no. W78614

Introduced in 1911, Norton's new 490cc sidevalve single was among the fastest in its class, being the first machine under 500cc to be officially timed at over 70mph, which was some going for 1911. Small wonder that the slogan 'Unapproachable' began to be applied to the Norton singles at around this time. The 490cc engine was revised for 1914 and the following year gained a new frame with lowered riding position together with the option of a Sturmey Archer three-speed gearbox. When fitted with chain drive, the 490cc sidevalve single became the 'Model 16' in Norton's numbering system, changing to '16H' in 1921 when a new lower frame was introduced.

The 16H saw service with the Allies throughout WW2, forming the majority of the 100,000-or-so Nortons supplied to British and Commonwealth armed forces. Machines were modified to meet the needs of their particular sphere of operations, and the 16H proved well suited to military work, being relatively simple in construction and easily maintained while possessing better-than-average ground clearance and good all-round performance.

This ex-WD 16H is presented in unrestored age-related condition, ripe for sympathetic restoration. The engine has additional Army stampings, and the machine's original WD identity plate is still attached to the rear mudguard. There are no documents with this motorcycle, the history of which is not known. Sold strictly as viewed.

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.

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This Lot will be auctioned on Saturday 20 April starting at 2pm GMT.

Additional information

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Buyers Premium and Charges
Buyers Premium and Charges
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