Description
This motorcycle is to be auctioned at The Autumn Stafford Sale - The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show
Following a season of extensive modification and experimentation, begun during the winter of 1947/ 48 by the legendary McCandless brothers - designers of Norton's peerless 'Featherbed' racing frame - resulted in the first appearance late in 1948 of an entirely new trials model: the 500T. The shorter and lighter WD 16H frame was used for the newcomer, which featured an ingeniously modified lower fork yoke that reduced the wheelbase to a more manageable 53. In its original, 'all-iron' engined form the 500T tipped the scales at 320lbs, while the subsequent adoption of an alloy cylinder head and (later) a Wellworthy alloy barrel brought that down to 300lbs. The 500T was announced as a 1949 model at the 1948 Motor Cycle Show, by which time a young Geoff Duke had already won that year's Allan Jefferies Trial riding a 350cc-engined prototype. Numerous other works and privateer competition successes throughout the late 1940s and early 1950s confirmed that Norton had produced a machine as good as, if not better than, any other rigid-framed trials iron. Sadly, there would be no sprung-frame development to carry on the line, and the 500T disappeared from the Norton line-up in 1954. Owned by the vendors late father for the last 30 years, little history is known prior to it's purchase but is fitted with electronic ignition and will need recommissioning before further use. Offered with a V5C.
CONDITIONS OF SALE AND GUIDE FOR BUYERS
Contact Bonhams to request the CONDITIONS OF SALE / GUIDE FOR BUYERS for all pertinent information regarding viewing, bidding, payment and post-sale collection & Transportation.
VIEWING TIMES
Saturday 14 October 9am to 5pm
Sunday 15 October from 9am
SALE TIMES
Saturday 14 October
Spares and Memorabilia (Lots 1-161) 10:30am
Motorcycles (Lots 201 – 293) 2pm
Sunday 15 October
Motorcycles (Lot 301 - 534) 10:30am
REQUEST A TRANSPORT QUOTE
Contact our recommended transport company Moving Motorcycles Ltd to request a transport quote.
