LOT 245

The David Plant Collection 1927 Norton 490cc Model 18 Registration no. DS 7710 Frame no. 26702 (see text) Engine no. 33263

Sold for £9,775 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 245

The David Plant Collection, 1927 Norton 490cc Model 18

The Spring Stafford Sale - The International Classic MotorCycle Show|26 April 2026, 11:30 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

The David Plant Collection
1927 Norton 490cc Model 18
Registration no. DS 7710
Frame no. 26702 (see text)
Engine no. 33263

Like the majority of their contemporaries, Norton relied on the sidevalve engine until the 1920s, when the existing and well-tried 490cc unit was used as the basis for the firm's first overhead-valve design. Penned by James Lansdowne Norton himself and first seen in prototype form in 1922, the overhead-valve Norton made little impact in that year's Senior TT, though at Brooklands D R O'Donovan raised the world 500cc kilometre record to over 89mph using the new motor. A road-going version - the Model 18 - was catalogued for 1923, quickly establishing a reputation for both speed and reliability when a standard engine assembled from parts was used to set a host of records, including a new 12 hours mark. Alec Bennett won the Senior TT for Norton in 1924 and, demonstrating that racing really did improve the breed, the Model 18 gaining Webb forks and better brakes for 1925 as a direct result of the works team's experiences.

The Model 18 retained its essentially Vintage characteristics until 1931 when the range was extensively redesigned, dry-sump lubrication and a rear-mounted magneto being standardised. The most obvious external alteration in its appearance before then had been the adoption of a 'saddle' tank for 1929.

Acquired by the current vendor in 1989, the Model 18 we offer is an older restoration now in need of recommissioning. It should be noted that it has not being possible to locate the original frame number (the number has been re-stamped at some point). The engine appears to have a matching cylinder barrel and cases; however, the stamp to the barrel is hard to discern. Offered with old/current V5/V5C documents. The engine turns over.

Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning and/or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding.

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 Spring Stafford Sale

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This Lot will be auctioned on Sunday 26 April, with the auction starting at 11:30am BST.

Additional information

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