The first Norton road bike to feature the company’s legendary featherbed frame, the Model 88 Dominator, was a stylish, high-performance machine that debuted at the 1951 Earls Court Motorcycle Show. Initially known as the Dominator De Luxe, the Model 88 was developed to compete against Triumph’s Speed Twin and intended for export markets. The 88 Dominator was originally powered by the 497 cc vertical-twin engine that Bert Hopwood had designed for the earlier Model 7 and it was instrumental in establishing Norton’s reputation for excellent handling.

It was not long before Norton started to develop the 88 for racing, and the so-called “Domiracers” were unveiled at the 1953 Daytona 200, where they placed 3rd Overall. The Domiracers were actively campaigned by Norton until 1962, when the factory ended its racing program and turned it over to tuner Paul Dunstall. A tribute to the success of the Model 88 Dominator was its extraordinarily long production run, with the final Sports Special variants being produced through 1966.

The 1953 Model 88 Dominator presented here was the recipient of a show-quality restoration and it has accrued less than 30 miles since completion. As such, it presents in beautiful condition and is properly detailed with Smiths speedometer, Lucas electrical accessories, Avon tires, and Norton’s famous Roadholder front fork. A rare example of a landmark Norton model, rarely found in such fine condition, this Model 88 Dominator would make a fantastic addition to any collection of important British motorcycles.