The David Plant Collection, c.1949 Norton 490cc International

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.

Apparently an early post war model, this International was formerly registered as 'JWD 323', which still appears on the HPI database referencing frame number 101186 and engine number 75327. However, DVLA correspondence on file dated 2013 records that two machines had been allocated the same registration mark. As a result, the DVLA reassigned this motorcycle the registration number '107 YUY' and issued a new Vehicle Identification Number, DVLASWA3971328403, together with the instruction:

"Please arrange through a dealer or local garage for this VIN to be stamped or permanently embossed in the chassis/frame/bodywork of the vehicle."

This stamping/embossing does not appear to have been carried out.

Accordingly, prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves as to the registration status of the motorcycle prior to bidding and will be responsible for any rectification required with the DVLA following purchase.

The machine has been in the vendor's ownership since 1985 and appears to remain in unrestored condition. Notable features include a Manx front brake, Manx cylinder head, Manx type fuel tank, and a tax disc that expired in November 1971. It is offered with the DVLA correspondence and a current V5C Registration Certificate for VRN '107 YUY', which records an alternative engine number, 75327 (the same as that shown on the HPI record for VRN 'JWD 323'), rather than the engine number currently fitted. 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.
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