S-22720-0-1

251Property of a deceased’s estate1926 Norton 500cc Model 18Registration no. FM 4576Frame no. 32171Engine no. 26208Despite the recent death of founder, James “Pa” Norton, theBirmingham firm were nevertheless proceeding quite satisfactorily inthe mid-1920s, and in fact secure no less than three wins in the SeniorTT, in 1924, 1926, and 1927 respectively, thanks to Stanley Woodsand a remarkable ‘double’ by Alec Bennett. It should be noted that inits first four years of production the Model 18 underwent a series ofchassis improvements, particularly in respect of larger brake drums,albeit a foot type gear change was still over the horizon. (Note thelow slung hand-change gear lever which, in period, daredevil riderswould operate with their knee.) Finished in silver and gun-metal liverythe ostensibly complete machine was built by Norton guru Dr GeorgeCohen, an exercise in which the brief was almost certainly that themachine should be completed in a ‘track-ready’ specification, borneout by the slim pillion pad, an enormous Brooklands can, and therace plate cum fly-screen attached to the forks. Dr Cohen has alsoauthenticated the bike as a genuine 1926 model in a letter to theowner, dated April 2009. The tax disc expired in May 2011, whichwould indicate that, following its reconstruction, the Norton has beenridden. A visibly handsome machine which, even while stationary,exudes an image of rapid motion! A V5C is supplied.£18,000 - 22,000€25,000 - 31,000252Property of a deceased’s estate1928 Norton 500cc Model 18Registration no. TU 9481Frame no. TBAEngine no. 29789Until Norton’s overhead camshaft models got into their all conqueringstride, circa 1930, it was the long-running ohv Model 18 – firstintroduced in 1922, and remaining in production until 1954 – that wasregarded as the firm’s sportiest over the counter machine. (Norton’smodel numbering system can be confusing but, for the record, itshould be noted that a Model 19 – begun in 1926 at 588cc, andincreased to 596cc in 1932 – was sold alongside the Model 20,announced in 1930, which was identical to a Model 18, but with atwin port exhaust!) Very little historical information is available for theTU-registered Model 18, which is finished in the traditional silver andblack, plus a charismatic red coach line. This is a near-finished, butslightly incomplete restoration project, sold strictly as viewed. Theprimary chain case for instance is still in primer, there are as yet nocontrols or cables, and it is our duty to advise that the rear standis damaged. Although fitted with front and side race plates it is notknown to what event the numbers refer. Amongst the items on file is acopy of the County of Cheshire registration dates, a Roy Bacon datingletter, some relevant invoicing, and a V5C document. (Incidentally,the TU registration number often be-graced various famous Bentleyautomobiles, which were of course produced in nearby Crewe.)£10,000 - 14,000€14,000 - 20,000Bidders 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.46 | the spring stafford sale