LOT 246

The David Plant Collection c.1936 Norton 490cc International Registration no. not registered Frame no. B36775 Engine no. 65933

Sold for £9,200 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 246

The David Plant Collection, c.1936 Norton 490cc International

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

The David Plant Collection
c.1936 Norton 490cc International
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. B36775
Engine no. 65933

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 (in the case of the '500') 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.

Owned by the vendor since 1995, the pre-war Inter offered here is a nicely patinated older restoration that would benefit from a detailed clean. Last taxed until May 2012, the Norton carries a rally number for the Isle of Man Section Vintage Motor Cycle Club TT Mountain Challenge where it was entrant number '91'. 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.

Saleroom notices

Please note that, following specialist advice from Barry Strickland, this machine comprises components from various periods. The engine and gearbox are consistent with 1936 specification; however, the frame is from a 1948 Model 18, with forks from circa 1946. The wheels are later items, believed to be from the early 1950s. The petrol tank is of post-war design and may be a later replacement or replica. Other components include a mid-1950s Monobloc carburettor. As such, the machine does not conform to original factory specification and is best described as a composite machine assembled from period and later parts. Prospective bidders should satisfy themselves as to the specification and authenticity of the machine.

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.
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