LOT 492

1956 Norton 490cc Model 30 International Registration no. 996 GMH Frame no. L11 64826 Engine no. 64826 11L

Sold for £10,925 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

Lot 492

1956 Norton 490cc Model 30 International

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

1956 Norton 490cc Model 30 International
Registration no. 996 GMH
Frame no. L11 64826
Engine no. 64826 11L

One of the most charismatic model names in motorcycling, 'International' was first used by Norton for its top-of-the-range sports roadster in 1932. All new, the Inter's overhead-camshaft engine had been developed in the works racers over the preceding two years and retained Norton's classic 79x100mm bore/stroke dimensions. By the time production halted in 1939 the Inter was being built with a four-speed foot-change gearbox and plunger rear suspension, reappearing postwar in similar guise save for the hydraulically-damped Roadholder front fork, replacing the pre-war girder. The Inter would remain fundamentally unchanged until 1953 when it gained the race-developed Featherbed frame, all-alloy engine and 'laid down' 'box.

This International was used for a John Lewis TV advertisement in July 2011 that was shot on Venn Street in Clapham, South London (see photograph on file). The original old-style logbook shows that the Inter was supplied by Whitby's of Acton Ltd, and lists John Marchant as 7th Change (undated). There is also an undated sales receipt showing that John paid £200 for the machine. The Inter has belonged to John since at least 1979, and he had restored it by August of that year, as evidenced by accompanying correspondence. Also in the history folder is a quantity of expired MoTs and tax discs; sundry invoices; a selection of photographs; old/current V5/V5C documents; a quantity of photocopied technical literature; and an original Maintenance Manual and Instruction Book.

This machine has been stored in dry conditions and has seen little or no use since 2016. Accordingly, it is sold strictly as viewed and may require varying degrees of recommissioning and/or restoration prior to further use.

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.

REQUEST A TRANSPORT QUOTE

Please click the link to request a transport quote from our recommended transport company, Moving Motorcycles.

To request a UK or European shipping quote - Moving Motorcycles

To request an International shipping quote - Shippio

This Lot will be auctioned on Sunday 21 April starting at 11am GMT.

Saleroom notices

The machine is also offered with an Avon fairing.

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 client services.
Buyers Premium and Charges
Buyers Premium and Charges
Memorabilia and Spares
For Memorabilia and Spares (Lots 1-91) the Buyers Premium is 28% on the first £40,000 of the hammer price; 27% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £40,000 up to and including £800,000; 21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £800,000 up to and including £4,500,000 and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,000.
Motorcycles
For Motorcycles (Lots 201-272 & 301-499) the Buyers Premium will be 15% on the first £500,000 of the Hammer Price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter.
Buyers attention is drawn to Condition 7 of the Notice to Bidders. VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import License or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such License or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancelation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Payment Notices
For payment information please refer to the sale catalog.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licences please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.
- Automobilia
- Motorcycles