LOT 250

The David Plant Collection 1956 Norton 490cc International Registration no. not registered Frame no. L11 69746 (see text) Engine no. 67893 L11

Sold for £7,475 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

Previous Lot

Next Lot

Lot 250

The David Plant Collection, 1956 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
1956 Norton 490cc International
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. L11 69746 (see text)
Engine no. 67893 L11

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 1988, this non-matching-numbers Featherbed Inter appears to be an older restoration (the engine turns over). It should be noted that the HPI report links the registration 'XVU 188' (currently on the machine) with frame number 'P122 80595', which is that of a 1959 Model 88. Accordingly, this motorcycle is offered unregistered and without documents.

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

REQUEST A TRANSPORT QUOTE

Please click the link to request a transport quote from our recommended transport company, Moving Motorcycles.

To request a UK or European shipping quote - Moving Motorcycles

To request an International shipping quote - Shippio

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

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.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import License or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such License or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancelation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Buyers' Premium and Charges
Like the vast majority of auctioneers Bonhams charge a Buyer's Premium on the Hammer Price of each Lot purchased and this is subject to VAT. Some lots may also be subject to VAT on the Hammer Price and these lots will be clearly marked with a symbol (†, Ω, *) printed beside the lot number.
For Automobilia the Buyer's Premium is 28% on the first £40,000 of the hammer price; 27% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £40,001 up to and including £800,000; 21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £800,001 up to and including £4,500,000 and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,001.
For Motor Cars and Vehicle Registration Numbers the Buyer's Premium will be 15% on the first £500,000 of the hammer price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter.
A 3rd party bidding platform fee of 4% + VAT of the Hammer Price for Buyers using the following bidding platforms will be added to the invoices of successful Buyers for auctions starting on or after 6th July 2024 – Invaluable; Live Auctioneers; The Saleroom; Lot-tissimo.
VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Buyers Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
Payment Notices
For payment information please refer to the sale catalog.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licences please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.
- Motorcycles

Own a similar item?

Submit your item online for a free auction estimate.

How to sell

Looking for a similar item?

Our Motorcycles specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.

Find your local specialist

Auction Viewings

25 April 2026, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
26 April 2026, 09:00 - 17:00 BST

£8,000 - £10,000

United Kingdom

The Automotor and Horseless Vehicle Journal; 35 bound Volumes 1 to 25 (1896-1920), and Volume 32 (1927)

£7,000 - £8,000

United Kingdom

A Singer 'Xtraordinary' lever-driven 'Safety bicycle', circa 1882,

£8,000 - £12,000

The David Plant Collection, 1956 Norton 490cc International

The David Plant Collection1956 Norton 490cc InternationalRegistration no. not registeredFrame no. L11 69746 (see text)Engine no. 67893 L11

Footnotes

Additional information

Auction information

Related Departments

Conditions of Sale

Own a similar item?

Looking for a similar item?

Auction Viewings

Bid now on these items

1952 Vincent 499cc Series-C Comet

1980 Ducati 900 MHR

The Ex-John Goodall, 3rd Place, 2003 Manx Grand Prix, Senior, Matchless 500cc G50 Racing Motorcycle

1914 Sunbeam 3½hp

The Ex-John Goodall, 4th Place, 2007 Manx Grand Prix, Junior, AJS 350cc Racing Motorcycle

1975 Ducati 750 GT

The Automotor and Horseless Vehicle Journal; 35 bound Volumes 1 to 25 (1896-1920), and Volume 32 (1927)

A Singer 'Xtraordinary' lever-driven 'Safety bicycle', circa 1882,

The David Plant Collection
1956 Norton 490cc International
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. L11 69746 (see text)
Engine no. 67893 L11