S-22720-0-1

244Property of a deceased’s estate1923 Norton 490cc Model 16HRegistration no. AJ 9069Frame no. 7301Engine no. 4824Having hitherto relied on proprietary engines, Norton introduced itsown in 1907. The long-stroke sidevalve single displaced 633cc andthe new model it powered became known as the ‘Big 4’. Smallercapacity versions followed and in 1911 the 500 adopted the classic79x100mm bore and stroke dimensions which would characterisethe half-litre (actually 490cc) Norton for the next 50 years. The 490ccengine was revised for 1914 and in 1921 the Model 16, as it hadbecome known, received a new lower frame, becoming the 16H.Norton’s trusty sidevalve would be continuously updated for the next30-plus years, many seeing service with Allied forces in WW2, beforetaking its final bow in 1954. This particular 16H was supplied new in1923 to Mr E Rutter of Witton Park, Bishop Auckland and remainedin his family’s ownership until its acquisition by the late owner in 1981(letter of receipt available). Meticulous restoration has been ongoing forthe last 30-plus years but, sadly, the owner’s untimely demise has leftthe project incomplete. Nevertheless, only relatively minor works areleft to do, and the machine comes with the parts required to completeit, including control cables and acetylene lights, the latter un-restored.Accompanying paperwork consist of the aforementioned letter andold/current V5C registration documents.£12,000 - 14,000€17,000 - 20,000245 N1930 Norton 490cc Model 20Registration no. EBW 24AFrame no. 41162Engine no. 11745Like the majority of its contemporaries, Norton relied on the sidevalveengine until the 1920s when the existing and well-tried 490cc unit wasused as the basis for the firm’s first overhead-valve design. Pennedby James Lansdowne Norton himself and first seen in prototype formin 1922, the overhead-valve Norton racer made little impact in thatyear’s Senior TT, though at Brooklands D R O’Donovan raised theworld 500cc kilometre record to over 89mph using the new motor.A road-going version - the Model 18 - was catalogued for 1923,quickly establishing a reputation for both speed and reliability. A slightlymore expensive twin-port variant - the Model 20 - joined the line-upfor 1930 but before long Norton’s essentially Vintage range wouldbe comprehensively revised. In 1931 the sidevalve and overheadvalvemodels were extensively redesigned, dry-sump lubrication anda rear-mounted magneto being standardised. There were furtherimprovements made to the engine throughout the 1930s, includingenclosure of the valve gear and a foot-change gearbox by thedecade’s end. The Model 18 was revived when Norton recommencedproduction in 1946, but the deleted twin-port Model 20 was destinedto remain but a fond memory. Restored in 2008, this most attractiveModel 20 is described by the vendors as in generally good conditionand offered with a V5 registration document, though the machine wasexported in recent years.£14,000 - 18,000€20,000 - 25,000Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each lotprior to bidding. All lots are sold “as is/where is” with all defects and faults.motorcycles | 39