Beschrijving
This is Lot 290 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Spring Stafford Sale on the 26 & 27 April, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Public Viewing:
Available 26 April from 09:00 until 17:00 and 27 April from 09:00 until 17:00, at The International Classic Motorcycle Show, Stafford.
Lot 290
Offered from the estate of the late Derek Fox
1929 Norton 348cc Model JE
Registration no. OS 2764
Chassis no.
Rare Vintage-era overhead-valve sports roadster
An older restoration
Present ownership since 2022
Requires recommissioning
A new introduction for 1929, the 348cc JE was the 'junior' version of Norton's ES2 sports roadster. Introduced at the 1927 Motor Cycle Show, the ES2 used the Model 18's 490cc overhead-valve engine in the cradle frame of the overhead-camshaft CS1, and from then onwards the 'ES2' designation was always applied to Norton's top-of-the-range overhead-valve sports single. The ES2 was built in several versions during a production run lasting until 1963; the JE, though, did not last anything like as long, disappearing from the range at the end of the 1931 season. Norton did not list an OHV '350' again until 1933, and when it did the designation had changed to 'Model 50'. In production for just a few years, the JE is one of the rarest of Norton's pre-war production roadsters.
The Vintage Motor Cycle Club has reviewed their copy of the Norton factory records and kindly confirmed that this 1929 model JE (frame number '35466', engine number 'JE 1137') was despatched to Auto Engineering Swansea on 18th April 1929 and purchased on 14th September that year by one J Pattie of Swansea. An older restoration, the machine was purchased by the vendor in 2022 with Derek Fox's help. Notable features include the following:
Amal 1BE carburettor
Lucas magneto
Sturmey Archer gearbox numbered '1. 46. 2. 66' to inner shell
Druid steering damper
Tool boxes
Dynamo electrics
'Piecrust' tanks
It should be noted that the tank rubbers are missing and that the tail lamp wiring has been disconnected. Following a period of inactivity, the machine will require safety checks and recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road (the engine turns over). Offered with a V5C document only.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams website for all pertinent auction information.
