LOT 211

The Bob Howard Collection 1933 Norton 490cc 16H Registration no. ESJ 963 Frame no. 44585 Engine no. 50154

Sold for £4,370 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

Lot 211

The Bob Howard Collection, 1933 Norton 490cc 16H

The Autumn Stafford Sale - The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|12 October 2025, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

The Bob Howard Collection
1933 Norton 490cc 16H
Registration no. ESJ 963
Frame no. 44585
Engine no. 50154

In 1911, Norton's '500' single adopted the classic 79x100mm bore/stroke dimensions that would characterise the half-litre (actually 490cc) Norton for the next 50 years. Norton's new sidevalve was among the fastest in its class: small wonder that the slogan 'Unapproachable' began to be applied to the Norton singles at around this time. The engine was revised for 1914 and the following year a new frame with lowered riding position was introduced together with the option of a Sturmey Archer three-speed gearbox. When fitted with chain drive, the '500' became the Model 16 in Norton's numbering system, changing to 16H in 1921 when a new lower frame was introduced. Norton's trusty 16H would be continuously up-dated for the next 30-plus years before taking its final bow, alongside the Big 4, in 1954.

A friend had already restored this 16H when Bob Howard purchased it from him in May 2008. Notable features include a matching cylinder barrel number and a magdyno and lights. Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent and thus is sold strictly as viewed (inspection highly recommended). The machine is offered with a V5C document; two instruction manuals; and a copy of The Book of the Norton.
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.
Please see the Auction Information and Guide for Buyers at the top of the main sale page, for bidders' obligations. The Autumn Stafford Sale

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This Lot will be auctioned on Sunday 12 October, with the auction starting at 11am GMT.

Additional information

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