1937 Norton International 500cc
auctions.single.seller.popular
auctions.single.seller.view-count
auctions.single.seller.images
HIGHLIGHTS
- Extensive restoration 20 years ago
- Unused for the past three years
- Well presented
THE APPEAL
Launched in 1932, the International was one of Norton's top-of-the-range sports roadster bikes when Walter Moore created the first Norton overhead camshaft engine with a 490cc capacity. A fantastic era for Norton as they won all the Manx TT races in the 500cc class from 1921 until 1939.
This particular model is a 1937 Norton International, which was fully restored approximately 20 years ago to the original specification as it would have come from the factory. A beautiful machine enjoyed by the vendor for the past three years as a piece of art in his private collection.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- Good collection of invoices for parts purchased
Unfortunately, the main part of the V5 has been lost, leaving only the green new keeper slip, so we are unable to say how many previous keepers were noted on the V5. However, there is a nice selection of invoices that came with the bike and were collected during its restoration some 20 years ago.
When the seller purchased the bike, the seller at the time did start it up from just the back wheel showing the engine had excellent compression, and since then, the bike has not been used. In addition, the seller has ensured the chain has not been left to dry out, and any other grease points have been well maintained.
THE CONDITION
- Piecrust tank
- Restored to original specification
- Classic Norton Colours
Starting at the front of the bike, the Mudguard is finished in gloss black enamel and in good condition with no apparent chips or scuffs. The girder forks look in good order, and everything moved as it should when moving the bike about. The handlebars are in good order, with just some light tarnishing to the finish, and the same can be said for the brake and clutch lever. The front aluminium wheel has been replaced but is in good condition and in a natural finish. Fitted to this is an Avon Speedmaster tyre with a good amount of tread but it has been unused for several years so may need to be replaced.
The frame has also been finished in gloss black enamel as it would have been when new. This looks in good condition with no corrosion to point out. The fuel tank is classic for the 30s era and has the Piecrust edging and is finished in silver and black with a highlighted red pinstripe. The oil tank is also the same and features the longer neck to aid filling it up. The saddle shows some signs of patina but is still comfortable. The small pad behind is to rest on as you move yourself back to get as streamlined as possible lying over the tank.
At the rear, the mudguard is in good order, as is the registration plate holder. The rear aluminium matches the front with the same natural finish, and again although the tyre has good tread, it would be wise to replace this before riding.
THE MECHANICS
- 500cc engine
- Brooklands can exhaust
- Four-speed gearbox
- Plunger rear suspension
As mentioned, the vendor saw the bike running when he purchased it approximately three years ago, and it started up easily from the back wheel with no bump starting. However, since then, it has not been run, and it would be recommended for someone who is competent to give the bike a full recommissioning before the bike is ridden again.
The engine is a 500cc overhead camshaft connected to a four-speed gearbox. At the time, it was one of the most successful 500cc engines in production and made its way into the history books with its huge success.
SUMMARY
A fantastic 1937 Norton, itching to be used again. The bike has only been standing for three years in a collection. Before that, it was running, so some recommissioning should see the Norton back up and running again. Or you could leave it as the vendor did as a beautiful sculpture to admire.
Notice to bidders
All items in this listing are sold on an “As Is - Where Is” basis. Photos and listing descriptions should be used as a guide only. Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of the information in this listing and Car & Classic performs a level of due diligence prior to the auction, we do not warrant the accuracy of the listings. The seller assumes all responsibility for this listing. Inspection is highly recommended prior to bidding. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion.
Please take care when making a bid as once your bid is placed, it cannot be withdrawn and will not be cancelled. If you are unsure do not bid as no refunds will be given.
A nonrefundable buyer deposit is applied to all items won at auction. Please see our FAQs and T&Cs for further details.
All bidding is subject to our T&Cs. By registering and bidding you agree to the terms. Please ensure you clearly read them alongside the special terms and conditions contained in this listing.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1937
- Make Norton
- Model International
- Colour White
- Odometer 0
- Engine size 500
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Bugbrooke
- Location Northamptonshire
- Country United Kingdom
21
bids
- ja•••• £18,000 30/09/22
- ja•••• £17,500 30/09/22
- be•••• £17,000 30/09/22
- SC•••• £16,750 30/09/22
- co•••• £16,500 30/09/22
- SC•••• £16,000 30/09/22
- be•••• £15,000 30/09/22
- Le•••• £14,500 30/09/22
- co•••• £14,000 30/09/22
- Le•••• £13,500 30/09/22
The Gallery
About Max Bids
The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.
Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.
Anti-sniping
Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.
Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.
Auto-bidding increments
- If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
- If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
-
- Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
- We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.
| Bid Amount | Increment |
|---|---|
| £0 to £9,999 | £100.00 |
| £10,000 to £49,999 | £250.00 |
| £50,000 to £99,999 | £500.00 |
| £100,000 + | £1,000.00 |
Automatically outbid immediately
When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.
You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.
Matching max bids
When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.
Pre-authorisation
We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.
What are pre-bids?
A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.
Problem with your bid
Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.