LOT 70

Property of a deceased's estate c.1959 Norton 498cc Dominator 88 Registration no. UBD 761H Frame no. P122 77686 (see text) Engine no. 87217 122R

Sold for £1,725 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 70

Property of a deceased's estate, c.1959 Norton 498cc Dominator 88

Motorcycles Online - The Summer Sale|15 June 2026, 13:09 BST|Online, Milton Keynes

Property of a deceased's estate
c.1959 Norton 498cc Dominator 88
Registration no. UBD 761H
Frame no. P122 77686 (see text)
Engine no. 87217 122R

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 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. Since Bob's passing in 2013, the Norton has remained unused and stored in the family garage. The family has now decided that the time has come to sell the machine.

The Norton was built by Bob; it is a 'bitsa' comprising a believed circa 1959 frame and a circa 1960 engine. (It should be noted that some of the frame number stamping does not conform to factory specification.) Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning or possibly more extensive restoration before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed (the engine turns over). 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 15%+VAT on the first £500k of the Hammer Price, and 12%+VAT on the balance 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.

CONDITIONS OF SALE, AUCTION INFORMATION & GUIDE FOR BUYERS
Please see the 'CONDITIONS OF SALE, AUCTION INFORMATION & GUIDE FOR BUYERS' at the top of the main sale page (Motorcycles Online - The Summer Sale) for all pertinent information regarding bidder's obligations, viewing, bidding, payment, post-sale collection & transportation.

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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.
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