Description
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
Viewing: Tues 24th March from 1pm
Auction: Wed 25th March from 10am
Location: National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ
Registration No: SXS 754Frame No: 31858MOT: Exempt
Splendid ‘oily rag’ condition suggestive of an historic restoration
Seldom used in twenty years or more
A really useable pre-war machine, ideal for the Banbury and Graham Walker Runs
A very long-lived model in the Norton range, the original Model 18 was designed under the supervision of James Lansdowne Norton and arrived in 1923. The OHV 490cc (79 by 100mm) engine was advanced for the time, and promptly won the inaugural Maudes Trophy for the endurance feat of averaging 64mph over twelve hours at Brookland; a similar 500cc OHV Norton won the 1924 Senior T. T., ridden by Alec Bennett. After the International became Norton’s top performance model in 1932, the Model 18 continued to be well-regarded as a sports touring model and, with progressive updates, remained in demand until production ended in 1955.
With its shapely saddle tank, big ‘thumper’ engine and sturdy girder forks, this 1936 Model 18 conforms beautifully to the post-vintage archetype. It most recently changed hands in November, 2022, having been out of use for a very long time previously—twenty years, at least. It evidently received some recommissioning to get it through an M. O. T. in October, 2022, but it has not been subject to any excessive restoration. Instead, its patinated appearance suggests an older repaint, and it now displays a charming ‘oily rag’ character that we would be loth to restore away. Some checks may be required before use, but we anticipate this being a very pleasant machine to enjoy on pre-war rallies.
** 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)
