Lot details

Year: 1936
Make: Norton
Model: 490cc Model 30 International Racing Motorcycle
Registration: DLO 865
Chassis No: 71575
Odometer: tba

• Heavily campaigned in vintage motorcycle racing
• Parts to return to factory specification included in sale
• Well known motorcycle in Norton circles

One of the most charismatic model names in motorcycling history, 'International' was first used by Norton for its top-of-the-range sports roadster in 1932. Following its successful Senior TT-winning debut in 1927, the overhead-camshaft Norton had enjoyed mixed fortunes in the Isle of Man, and when the engine's designer, Walter Moore, left to join NSU, Arthur Carroll was charged with carrying out an extensive redesign. First seen in the works racers in 1930, the new motor borrowed features from the successful KTT Velocette, contriving to look very different from its predecessor while remaining unmistakably Norton in execution. The Carroll engine retained the classic 79x100mm bore/stroke dimensions and shaft-and-bevels cam drive of the Moore unit but shifted the magneto drive to the right hand end of the crankshaft where it was enclosed in a distinctive timing case. The new overhead-cam racer was not an immediate success - 1930 was Rudge's year in the Isle of Man - but came good in 1931 when works rider Tim Hunt kick-started a four-year period of Norton TT domination by winning both the Junior and Senior events. Towards the end of 1930, the Carroll-type engine was introduced on the CS and CJ road models, and in 1932 these were joined by a new top-of-the-range sports roadster - the International or 'Inter' - that bore a closer resemblance to the works racers and was equally at home on the track.

Built in 1936, but not registered until 1937, this wonderful example of a Norton International bike was purchased by the vendor in 1964 from Bill Smith Motorcycles with the history file including a picture of the bike in Smith's shop. Originally sold from Reno's of Leytonstone, London, this bike still retains its matching numbers frame and engine. Extensively used in competition, this beautiful Norton has been upgraded over the years with many very rare and desirable parts, for example, the front wheel is upgraded to an early Manx conical hub (for safety reasons), and was bought directly from Les Archer, the front wheel and hub can be seen on his Grand Prix de Nations winning Norton. The engine has been uprated with a roller bearing crank and has Manx internals including flywheel, conrod, an original forged piston and cams, (set to works timings). An original Brooklands exhaust can is also fitted. The original parts that were fitted to the bike when the vendor purchased it form Bill Smith are included in the sale allowing the lucky new owner the option to return it to factory specification. These parts include the original front wheel with speedo drive and cable, speedometer, electric horn, dynamo, Lucas regulator, oil bath primary chain case, standard gear lever etc. Now struggling to get on the bike, it is sadly time for the vendor to move it on.

Supplied with its rare and original factory booklets that came with the bike when new along with images of the bike including one from when the vendor purchased it from Bill Smith's and a Norton build sheet. A unique opportunity to own a piece of motorcycling history and not one to be missed given its originality and racing history. Consigned by Will Penrose

Competition History:
-Rallies: 50 Irish National entries
-Road Racing: Crystal Palace from 1965 to 1972 (including the final meeting held there) and Caen, France
-Circuit Racing: Mallory Park, Snetterton, Silverstone, Goodwood amongst others
-Hill Climbing: Prescott, Kop Hill, Lyon
-Sprinting: Cork, Brighton Speed Trials
Many 1st place and podium finishes across the various disciplines