Description
This motorcycle is Lot 533 of Bonhams Motorcycles Online – The Winter Sale; open for bidding 5-15th December 2025.
Please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Bidding on all Lots commences Friday 5 December, 12:00 noon.
Bidding closes Monday 15 December, 12:00 noon, starting with Lot 501.
Each subsequent Lot will then close one minute apart unless bidding remains active.
Public Viewing:
Lots 501, 519 & 525 only:
Friday 12 December, 9am - 5pm
All Remaining Lots:
Wednesday 10 December, 9am - 5pm
Thursday 11 December, 9am - 5pm
Please email using the button below with your availability to schedule an appointment.
Lot 533
1929 Norton 490cc Big Four/ Model 18
Registration no. VE 5068
Frame no. 37317
Engine no. 46673 (see text)
Although not registered until 1931, this handsome vintage Norton is Banbury run eligible. According to the Norton factory records which are held by the VMCC, engine no. 46673 is from a 1930 Model 18 which was despatched in December 1929 to a dealer trading as Smith Stanton, and sold on to its first owner in Chippenham the following month. Meanwhile frame no. 37317 was originally part of a Big Four despatched to King and Harper in September1929. It seems that it sat on the showroom floor for well over a year, being finally purchased by W. H. Maher of Walthamstow in 1931.
Restored by the vendor, a time served motor engineer, it is now being offered for sale only because of his advancing years. In the course of the restoration, amongst other work, APL overhauled the magneto, Joe the carb overhauled the carburettor, and new valves and clutch plates were fitted. The vendor believes that this frame and engine pairing have been together for many decades. It is nice to see that the barrel is original to the engine, also being stamped 46673. Last started in July this year, the engine features the enclosed pushrods and rocker gear which were new for the 1930 model year. Please note that the accompanying V5C records the engine no. incorrectly as 46675.
Prospective bidders must satisfy themselves regarding the motorcycle's provenance, condition, age, completeness, and originality prior to bidding. Sold strictly as seen.
£5, 000 - 8, 000
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 Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
