Dad's Norton

 

-JdK- David in the UK sent us this photograph and provided the text that follows: "I have a photograph of my father taken in 1938/39; he would be about 19 years old. He is sitting astride a Norton Inter. I think it is a lovely period image, it is black & white, he is dressed in collar and tie, tweed jacket and baggy trousers, and he looks as pleased as could be.

The story goes that he collected the bike from the “Low Level” railway goods station in Wolverhampton and rode it to his parents home in the suburbs of Wolverhampton. He was and remained until his death a fanatic for things motoring."

Richard had a look and comments: "It's always good to see photos from the time these bikes were used daily. The bike is either 1932 or 1933 but the interesting thing is it has a racing end-feed cambox. These were only fitted to the competition engines in the early 1930s so the cambox was probably fitted at a later date. I also see the front tyre is a trials pattern, so possibly used for grass track or sand racing before David's father bought it. The registration number is for Edinburgh, Scotland so it seems the bike had moved around. Note that it has a few non-standard bits and seems to have a dynamo run from the crank like the Moore OHC engines."

1932 Norton Model 30 International - SOLD

 

Having owned, fixed and ridden pre-war cammy Nortons for over 20 years, this is the most original one I've seen. It's the one my late pal "Norton George" postulated (over a beer or two) must be out there - a pretty much untouched very low mileage example. It's a joy to ride. From the condition and specification of the engine internals, it is believed the mileage is genuine. As far as can be determines, the spec and finish of most of the components is absolutely correct.

It was cosmetically restored probably in the '70s, and sat in the Beaulieu National Motor Museum for many years. I mechanically overhauled it with a view to using it regularly (I've done over 1000 miles on it) and it starts easily, rides beautifully, and has proven to be very reliable.

It's had a top overhaul (valve springs, rings, cams, followers & tappets) and the TT magneto serviced. The original (plated brass) TT carburettor has been overhauled and is in fine condition. The brakes have been relined (and for the type, actually work well) and all rubber components and service items like chains, clutch shock absorber rubbers, & cables have been replaced. Most of the handlebar controls have been refurbished with the correct dull chrome finish, and the 100mph Bonniksen speedometer is absolutely accurate!

Some minor modifications have been made to make the bike more user friendly: The very low 1st gear (the rest are close ratio) has been replaced with a "Daytona" high 1st which retains the kick-starter, and a much more ergonomic gear-change lever fabricated and installed: all original parts have been retained, and there is a decent spares package which goes with the bike, including the original exhaust system. the bum pad is home-made, but correct replicas are available.

Notwithstanding the originality, this is a rider's bike. It deserves to be used, and not gathering dust in a collection... So for sale, SOLD. In case of interest contact Miles.

Norman Gledhill

 

-SG- Back in December 2012 we had a posting about Norman Gledhill - amongst other things, winner of the 1932 Senior Manx. He looks understandably cheerful although somewhat bedraggled after a wet ride!

Many thanks to Paul. who in the last few days  has sent us half a dozen further photos taken at Norman's home farm after returning from the IoM. The other chaps are local friends of his - the Livingstone brothers. The  MGP Winner's Trophy looks pretty impressive!

Miles' 1932 Model 30 Norton

 -JdK- This is Miles' inter: Original frame and engine number pairing from the factory records: despatch date 30th June 1932, despatched to Taylor Transport, Truro.

A rather special 1932 Inter ...

-SG- ... is going to Bonham's auction in October. It forms part of the collection accumulated by the late Basil Keys, who died in 2008 - after a lifetime of competitive riding dating back to 1930 - and he apparently acquired it in the seventies. So what's so special about it? For one thing, unlike many other Model 30/40 survivors, it appears to have been little modified over  the years and still retains its original frame, engine and four speed SA gearbox. It is listed in the records as a Standard Model 30, 'despatched' to Nortons themselves on 20 Jan 1932 and being booked out on loan to 'Motor Cycling.'  It was then returned at some unspecified point to the works and sold to Mr G McLean of Dundee on 27 June 1932. As with several other works owned bikes the registration number is shown in the records and this was OV6794. In the appropriate column in the records, it states: Engine built by J Craig.

(right mouse click - open in new window for large version)

I am much indebted to Basil's family for allowing us to reproduce current and period photos of the machine. Thanks also to James Robinson of 'Classic Motorcycle' for permission to use period articles showing OV6794, which Martin has provided for us.

Advice from Richard re this machine: The bike looks very original with only a few minor changes from the 1932 picture. As you know very few Model 30s avoid being up-dated or race modified and as far as I can see the only changes are the rear set footrests, centre stand and primary chain guard.

1932 Model 40 Norton - For sale

-JdK- Rob is selling his 1932 Model 40 Norton; in his own words: "Because of too many projects I have decided to sell my Model 40 Norton. It is in full racing trim. It was imported from Belgium in 1967. The bike left the Norton works in december 1931 and was exported to dealer Bresleau in Belgium. Matching numbers, rare Sturmey Archer 4 speed gearbox type IV, BTH racing magneto. For more history click this link." Contact Rob directly at rob@freshflex.com.

The 1932 brochure

-SG- The 1932 brochure cover  does not carry the 'Unapproachable' title, but instead, the slogan 'That Brilliant Motorcycle.'  But it follows the format of relating the previous year's successes as well as detailing the models for the new year.  Thanks to Ian for the loan!

The 1932 leaflet

-SG- Another fold out leaflet, courtesy of Ian, covering the 1932 range. We have scanned the reverse (showing the full range) in one and then divided it into eight bite-sized chunks to get more legibility!

Beatrice Shilling

-SG- We have had information about the redoubtable Beatrice on the site before and here is another photo of her taken not long after her 1935 100-plus mph Brooklands laps.

1932 Model 30/CS1 Norton

-JdK- An email from Ian in the UK:

"I bought a 1951 ES2 (in bits) of a man named John in Leamington Spa some 5 years ago. Next to it was a 1949 Inter that he would not sell as it had been his father's who was a big Norton man. I got the ES2 up and running and gave John a ring with the bike running in the background. A lady answered the mobile to tell me John had died two days before. 

After getting the bike insured I took the bike down to show Johns widow she was over the moon to hear and see it after 18 years. I kept in touch and some years later was asked if I would like to buy the Inter! When we agreed a price she asked if I would like to buy all of Johns spares in her garage.

After rebuilding the '49 inter set to work going through the stuff properly. Included was an interesting frame, at first I presumed an ES2 as it had Roadholder forks attached, on later inspection it's a 1932 Model 30 with aftermarket plunger rear end.

I rebuilt it with more bits and bobs and Manx bits, magnesium cam box, CS1 bottom end, Manx tank,  BSA Gold Star front wheel. Who knows more about this frame/bike? Frame no 30. 48845."

1932 Model 16H Norton - SOLD

-JdK- SOLD For sale at Charterhouse and in their own words: "A 1932 Norton 16H, registration number DR 9735, frame number 45083, engine number 51966, silver and black, one owner and 15,000 from new. This Norton 16H restoration project is something rather special if not unique. DR9 735 has laid unmolested in a Cornish barn since 1939 undisturbed. Mr Henry Wetter, a Cornish farmer purchased the Norton from AEN Snell, Snells Motorhouse, Old Town Street, Plymouth, on 6th February 1932 for £59 9/6 (original receipt on file). He would use the motorcycle until 1939 (last tax displayed on the motorcycle) clocking up 15,103 miles. It isn't known why Mr H Wetter didn't resume riding the Norton after the second world war, but he didn't! And family members can confirm that it has sat in the corner of the barn ever since. This history file contains three expired tax discs for 31st December 1932, 24th March 1935 and 31st December 1935, the original bill of sale, a letter from Norton Motor Ltd dated 7th November 1931 with a blueprint of the exhaust fitted to the Norton complies with Motors Cars Amendment Order (No. 11), an Automobile Association certificate of silencing efficiency, a letter from Snells apologising for overcharging Mr Wetter 10/- and informing him that a postal order would submitted to reimburse him and two insurance policies for 1932 and 1935."

1932 Model 30 Norton

-JdK- Michael in the UK sent us some pics of his 1932 Model 30 Norton - before (below) and after restoration (above). Michael informs us that the oil tank on the restored bike was remanufactured; the petrol tank was a major piece of work requiring unsoldering and resoldering from its individual components; it was replated in nickel as nickel was present underneath the old paint.

-Richard- The bike in it's pre-restoration condition looks quite original and the numbers put it well into 1932. The major components look original but the bike looks as if it has been used in competition and has a few up-dates. The oil tank appears to be a 1934 onwards standard road version which has been extended to a full width size. The magneto is a later BTH KD1 and the carburettor is a later type of Amal TT than the original brass one. The original Sturmey-Archer clutch and engine shock absorber have been replaced by later Norton parts that have been lightened and an open chain-guard fitted. Other parts that have been changed are the rear mudguard/lifting handle for a standard range type, footrests and the rear brake pedal are the racing type and a shorter aluminium gear change lever which is probably home made.

In it's post restoration condition Michael has replaced the oil tank with an original looking item. The bike looks very well presented; the petrol tank lining has been copied from this one and this one.

1932 Model 30 - SOLD

-SG- The second machine of note at the 'Eurojumble' is a 1932 Model 30 and the seller, Jerry, has given me his mobile phone number in case anyone is interested. He has a dating certificate from the NOC and the bike was shipped in September 1932 to a dealer in the north of England. I am the first to admit that the finer points of thirties OHC machines are not one of my strengths, but apparently sundry NOC pundits have expressed surprise at its originality - even down to the mudguards (though now painted a less than desirable hue). For myself, I view with slight suspicion the centre stand, which I thought came a bit later in the decade, the rather sumptuous fuel tank and the oil tank which surely is later - it has an ENOTS filler cap. SOLD The asking price for this one is also £25.000 ...

We invited Richard to comment on this particular machine and his observations follow:

-Richard- Regrettably, the bike is not totally original with the most notable departure being the front forks which are from sometime between 1935 and '38 and from a non International model. The oil tank, which Simon alluded to, looks like a later replacement as it does not have the large diameter access plug on the off-side of the top. The BTH magneto also looks like a later addition. The mudguards may be replacements and it is missing its original front stays. Simon is correct about the centre stand as they were not listed until 1935 and referred to as prop stands in the brochures, but these are easily fitted to earlier models as they were designed to fit the existing frames. Although the bike was dispatched in September 1932, it looks to be one of the first of the 1933 spec. bikes with the large wheel hubs as the new models were produced in advance of the major motorcycle shows in October.

As the price of these machines continues to increase, any prospective buyer should seek a second opinion as to originality of a bike as after 80 years, there are likely to have been replacements and changes, so as far as originality goes, buyer be very aware!

-Richard in response to some questions-

I feel I did not explain myself very well regarding the 1932 specifications.

Although centre stands were not introduced until 1935 they simply fitted to the bottom cross tube and so they can be easily fitted to earlier machines with no modifications. The works bikes had aluminium centre stands which fitted directly to the bottom gearbox bolt.

The oil tank on this bike is lacking the large access plug on the off-side top of the tank and if you look at all the original photographs the tanks have this fitted. Tanks made later to replace damaged or split originals may not have this plug, even ones made by Nortons themselves.

As far as I am aware all production Inters were fitted with rear-set footrest lugs from the beginning. The defining difference for early Inter frames is an extra lug on the saddle tube below the gearbox top lug but facing forwards. This extra lug was where the footrest threaded rod went through when forward footrests were used but was also a mounting lug for the engine plates. This was fitted for 1932 and '33 only and for 1934 the rod ran through the crankcases as all the later ones did.

The George Dance knee grips were used between 1932 and '34 on production Inters. Bolt through tanks were new for 1934 and made from aluminium and were reserved for the works riders only. The production racers were first fitted with bolt through tanks in 1939 but these were still soldered steel and Manx Nortons had to wait until 1950 before they got aluminium tanks.

The works bikes did have auxiliary check springs in 1932 and these were used on all Inters for '33 and the whole range for 1934.

Many up-dates have occurred to many machines over the years so we must refer to original photos of the bikes when they were new.