Description
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
Viewing: Tues 24th March from 1pm
Auction: Wed 25th March from 9am
Location: National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ
1955 Norton Dominator
From the Keith Mason collection
Estimate
£3, 500 - £4, 500
Registration No: VFO 881
Frame No: 75121
MOT: Exempt
Great bike for vintage runs and rallies
Fitted with a Commando front brake
Supplied with a current V5C
A lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, Keith Mason started working in his local bike shop at the age of 15 before eventually branching out on his own a few years later. From humble beginnings selling secondhand bikes from a small shop, Keith built up the Moto GB empire to become one of the biggest motorcycle retailers and importers in the UK. The group has now grown to include 15 retail shops and is responsible for importing 9 different brands, also supplying many independent dealers, including QJ Motor, Voge, Lambretta, FB Mondial, Morbidelli, SYM and Hero. Keith sadly passed away in 2023, but in recent years he had put together a fantastic collection of his favourite classic bikes, ranging from a humble Honda Express to a beautiful Vincent Black Shadow, documenting his lifetime in the trade. We are pleased to offer all 31 bikes from this collection in our March sale.
Norton began in 1898 and started building motorcycles with French and Swiss engines in 1902. In 1907, a Norton with a Peugeot engine won the first Isle of Man TT race, starting a long tradition of sporting excellence. Developed for their Manx Norton race bikes, the legendary featherbed frame eventually made its way onto the road in 1953 housing the 500cc Dominator twin cylinder engine. By the late 1950s the engine had been increased in capacity to 600cc, fitted into the classic Featherbed frame matched to equally iconic Roadholder front forks and alloy full width hubs. Standard and unmolested Dominators are remarkably rare nowadays, perhaps because so many have been turned into Triton Cafe Racers or Domiracer look-alikes by their owners. This particular bike has had some subtle changes over the years, including being fitted with a later engine, number 9205 114, suggesting it's from a 600cc 99 model. The engine had a rebore and full top end overhaul in 2022 with a new Amal Monobloc fitted at the same time. An early 750 Commando front wheel with 8 inch TLS front brake plate has been fitted for better stopping power. This machine is being sold as a collector’s item, part of a stunning private collection of Vintage and Classic machines which have all been dry stored for several years and will require light recommissioning prior to use. A great bike for use on vintage runs and rallies, it is supplied with a current V5C.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
