Property of a deceased's estate, 1955 Norton 498cc Dominator 88 Project

Motorcycles Online - The Summer Sale|15 June 2026, 15:14 BST|Online, Milton Keynes

Property of a deceased's estate, 1955 Norton 498cc Dominator 88 Project

Registration no. RGN 693
Frame no. K122 63011
Engine no. 63011 K122

Norton jumped aboard the vertical-twin bandwagon in 1948 when it introduced the Model 7. Designed by the legendary Bert Hopwood, the new 500cc engine went into the existing ES2 plunger-frame/tele-fork cycle parts, a marriage that necessitated a redesign of Norton's well-proven four-speed gearbox. In November 1951 Norton's 500cc twin found a new home in the racing singles' 'Featherbed' duplex frame. Initially for export only, the newcomer - titled 'Dominator 88' - was the first production Norton roadster to feature the lightweight, race-proven chassis. Updated year by year, the Dominator had received an alloy cylinder head, full-width hubs, welded rear sub-frame, alternator electrics and coil ignition by the decade's end and - for 1960 - the narrower 'slimline' Featherbed frame among countless other improvements. Motor Cycle magazine clocked 92mph on an '88' in 1957 and, needless to say, the handling and roadholding were found to be first class.

This Norton Dominator 88 belonged to the late Robert Munday, the lady vendor's father. Bob was a well-known and highly respected figure within the Vintage Motor Cycle Club (VMCC) and was heavily involved with the club for many years. A matching numbers example, the Norton was in the middle of being restored by Bob when he passed away in 2013, since when it has remained on the workbench in the family garage. The family has now decided that the time has come to sell the machine. Offered as a project, the Norton is currently a non-runner and is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to this machine's history, authenticity, originality, mechanical condition and completeness (or otherwise) prior to bidding. Offered with an old-style V5C Registration Certificate. Key not required.

Footnotes

BUYER'S PREMIUM
The Buyer's Premium for this Lot is 28%+VAT on the first £40k of the Hammer Price, then 27%+VAT up to £800k, then 21%+VAT up to £4.5M and 14.5%+VAT thereafter.

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.

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Additional information

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