LOT 372

c.1965 Norton '650SS' Café Racer Registration no. CFV 348C Frame no. 18 11176 (see text) Engine no. 18R85644 (see text)

Sold for £6,900 inc. premium

Lot 372

c.1965 Norton '650SS' Café Racer

The Spring Stafford Sale - The International Classic MotorCycle Show|27 April 2025, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

c.1965 Norton '650SS' Café Racer
Registration no. CFV 348C
Frame no. 18 11176 (see text)
Engine no. 18R85644 (see text)

Norton launched its first 650cc twin, the US-market Manxman, in 1960. Available in Europe the following year, the Dominator 650 was built in standard, De Luxe and SS variants, all of which featured a new cylinder head with down-draft inlet ports. With 49bhp on tap, plentiful low-down torque, and exemplary handling courtesy of its race-proven Featherbed frame, the 650SS was one of the outstanding sports motorcycles of the 1960s, being more than a match for Triumph's Bonneville in terms of all-round performance. Indeed, in February 1962 Motor Cycling achieved a best one-way speed of 119.5mph at MIRA with a 650SS, more than 10mph up on that of the Bonneville tested the previous summer.

Well maintained and very well looked after, this handsome Café Racer has seen very little use over the last 20-plus years. According to the vendor, the machine was supplied new via Sid Mularney of Leighton Buzzard and still has one of his stickers attached. The vendor purchased the Norton in London in 2003. Notable features include a Bob Newby belt primary drive and competition clutch; a Lucas competition magneto; twin-leading-shoe front brake; Manx-style solo seat; alloy Manx-style fuel tank; and clip-on handlebars. It should be noted that the machine's frame and engine numbers display evidence of overstamping. Accordingly prospective bidders must satisfy themselves as to the origins and authenticity of the machine's component parts prior to bidding. Offered with a current V5C Registration Certificate.

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.
Please see the Auction Information and Guide for Buyers at the top of the main sale page, for bidders' obligations. The Spring Stafford Sale

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This Lot will be auctioned on Sunday 27 April, with the auction starting at 11am GMT.

Saleroom notices

Please note that the HPI and V5C record the frame number as '111176'. The engine is stamped 18SS 85644 18R. The vendor unfortunately informs us that the motorcycle's tank was damaged during transit. Please refer to the online images for details.

Additional information

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