Description
This motorcycle is Lot 382 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Autumn Stafford Sale (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show) on October 10th – 11th, please see the Bonhams Motorcycles Website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 201 - 407 are to be sold from 11AM local time on Sunday 11th October 2026.
Public Viewing:
Available 10th & 11th October 2026 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Staffordshire County Showground (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show).
Lot 382
1956 Norton 490cc Model 30 International
Registration no. MCO 104
Frame no. L11 67890
Engine no. L11 67890
One of the most charismatic model names in motorcycling history, 'International' was first used by Norton for its top-of-the-range sports roadster in 1932. The Inter's overhead-camshaft engine had been developed in the works racers for the preceding two years, and although (in the case of the '500') it retained the classic 79x100mm bore/ stroke dimensions and shaft-and-bevels cam drive of the existing CS1, was entirely new. Based on the works bikes and intended for racing, the International could nevertheless be ordered with refinements such as lights and a kick-starter equipped gearbox. By the time production halted in 1939 it was being built with a four-speed foot-change 'box and plunger rear suspension (the 'Garden Gate' frame), reappearing after the war in similar guise save for the adoption of the hydraulically-damped Roadholder front fork, which replaced the pre-war girder.
The Inter would remain fundamentally unchanged until 1953 when it gained the race-developed Featherbed frame, an all-alloy engine and the 'laid down' gearbox. Expensive to make and challenged by cheaper parallel twins of comparable performance, the Inter ceased to be catalogued after 1955 but could still be obtained to special order until 1958, many of these later machines incorporating Manx components.
The Inter offered here includes the original sales invoice from P Pike & Co listing a Manx front brake and a rev counter as extra cost options. Our private vendor advises that this machine is also fitted with 'Daytona' close-ratio gears; Manx inlet/ exhaust cams; magnesium cam box; oil centre-feed to the cams; and Borrani alloy wheel rims. The dynamo and magneto have been overhauled recently and a new Lucas braided wiring loom fitted. Interestingly, 'MCO 104' was owned by two brothers: Graham and Barrington Boase. There were two Inters built with this specification, the other - 'MCO 105' - is still extant.
'MCO 104' also benefits from extensive restoration, having been fully repainted/ re-chromed and assembled using stainless fastenings throughout, while the engine was reputedly rebuilt by Barry Stickland. The Norton was said to last run in 2025, and the vendor hopes to have recommissioned it by time of sale.
Sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's history, originality, authenticity, mechanical condition, mileage and completeness (or otherwise) prior to bidding. Accompanying paperwork includes numerous invoices; the original buff logbook; a V5C Registration Certificate; and the aforementioned purchase invoice.
£4, 000 - 6, 000
All lots are sold ‘as is/ where is’ and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness, mileage, engine capacity and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
