LOT 330

The Clive Wood MBE Collection 1950 Norton 596cc Big Four Registration no. BDC 942 Frame no. E7 32921 Engine no. E7 32921

Sold for £3,450 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 330

The Clive Wood MBE Collection, 1950 Norton 596cc Big Four

The Spring Stafford Sale - The International Classic MotorCycle Show|21 April 2024, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

The Clive Wood MBE Collection
1950 Norton 596cc Big Four
Registration no. BDC 942
Frame no. E7 32921
Engine no. E7 32921

Norton relied on proprietary engines in its formative years - winning the inaugural Isle of Man TT with a Peugeot-engined machine - before introducing its own design of power unit in 1907. The long-stroke (82x120mm) 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. Norton's sidevalve engines were revised for 1914 and in 1921 the Model 16, as it had become known, received a new lower frame, becoming the 16H. Considered by many to be an ideal sidecar 'tug', the Big Four (and 16H) would be continuously up-dated for the next 30-plus years, many seeing service with Allied forces in WW2. Post-war, the Big Four was revised with a shorter (113mm) stroke for a capacity of 597cc before taking its final bow, alongside the16H, in 1954.

Acquired by the late owner in 1988, this Big Four is an older restoration offered for recommissioning, or possibly more extensive renovation, and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Offered with the purchase receipt, an expired MoT (1992) and an old-style V5.

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 Sunday 21 April starting at 11am GMT.

Additional information

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