LOT 369

1939 Norton 490cc International Registration no. ETG 356 Frame no. CS 38443 and 101192 Engine no. 54719

Sold for £12,650 inc. premium

Lot 369

1939 Norton 490cc International

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

1939 Norton 490cc International
Registration no. ETG 356
Frame no. CS 38443 and 101192
Engine no. 54719

• Classic 'cammy' pre-war sports roadster
• Present ownership since 2007
• Featured in The Classic MotorCycle (May 2010)

One of the most charismatic model names in motorcycling history, 'International' was first used by Norton for its top-of-the-range sports roadster in 1932. The Inter's overhead-camshaft engine had been developed in the works racers for the preceding two years, and although it retained the classic 79x100mm bore/stroke dimensions and shaft-and-bevels cam drive of the existing CS1, was entirely new. Based on the works bikes and intended for racing, the International could nevertheless be ordered with refinements such as lights and a kick-starter equipped gearbox. By the time production halted in 1939 it was being built with a four-speed foot-change 'box and plunger rear suspension (the 'Garden Gate' frame), reappearing after the war in similar guise save for the adoption of the hydraulically-damped Roadholder front fork, which replaced the pre-war girder.

The Inter would remain fundamentally unchanged until 1953 when it gained the race-developed Featherbed frame, an all-alloy engine and the 'laid down' gearbox. Expensive to make and challenged by cheaper parallel twins of comparable performance, the Inter ceased to be catalogued after 1955 but could still be obtained to special order until 1958, many of these later machines incorporating Manx components.

This pre-war International was purchased by the vendor in 2007 and in 2010 was featured in The Classic MotorCycle's May edition in an article by Roy Poynting (scans on file). Since the 2010 article the Norton has been dry stored and used on local events throughout the summer months, and was last run on 17th August 2025. It should be noted that it has had a gearbox change (the vendor advising us this was due to the other gearbox not having a kickstart fitted). The machine is offered with a V5C document and a selection of reprinted manuals and books. It should be noted that the V5C is registered under the 101192 frame number.
Key not required

Footnotes

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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.

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