c.1959 Norton 500cc ohc Special
Registration no. DSL 185
Frame no. 6957
Engine no. P14 80483

First introduced in 1932 – through to cessation in 1958 – Norton's ohc International was the 'single' to which many sporting riders aspired. Irrespective the date of manufacture an 'Inter' always bore a passing resemblance to the Manx, yet was legal for the highway. During its quarter century existence it evolved from girder-forked 'rigid' into a fine handling machine whose race-developed engine was eventually slotted into the famous Featherbed-type chassis complete with telescopic forks and swing-arm rear suspension.

Owned for many years by the vendor's late father this Norton is something of a cocktail, inasmuch it's fitted with full width hubs, the cambox dates from pre-war days, and the unpainted refurbished fuel tank is without graphics. Not ridden, and having received no attention for some years, the whole machine will require an extensive mechanical check before further use. Two brief longhand notes on file from Andy Savage, dating from 1987, confirm that he rebuilt the lower half of the engine. (Various parts are numbered as follows: gearbox – 21139; forks – 20073; crank 6957/69757) The DVLA have promised a V5C will be despatched before the end of March; there is no other documentation. Given its mix of non-period components the Norton represents a challenging project, from which can emerge a sporting 1950s motorcycle. Close inspection recommended.