Description
This motorcycle is Lot 383 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 383
1957 Norton 348cc Model 50
Registration no. 943 BKM
Frame no. N13 76239 (see text)
Engine no. N13 76239 (see text)
Introduced in 1933, the single-cylinder Model 50 was Norton's first production overhead-valve machine in the 350 class; the 50 and its twin-port brother the 55 being junior versions of the 490cc Models 18 and 20 respectively. The new 350s were fitted with the four-speed Sturmey Archer gearbox that was adopted for all OHV Nortons that year. A hand gear-change was standard, with foot change an optional extra. The Sturmey Archer 'box, though, was destined for a relatively short life, being replaced by Norton's own four-speed foot-change unit for 1935. Norton's sporting 350 single was built in several versions and continuously developed during a production run lasting until 1963, post-war innovations including the adoption of the AMC gearbox in 1956 and a switch to superior alternator electrics and the peerless 'Featherbed' frame for 1959.
This Norton Model 50 was acquired by the late engineer owner in 2020 and then stripped and fully rebuilt/ restored by him. Works carried out included a professional repaint, triple-chroming the brightwork (including the original wheel rims) and refurbishing the speedometer (retaining the previous recorded mileage). Unfortunately, few bills from this rebuild have survived the late owner's passing. The Norton has been unused since 2025; stored indoors, it is described by the vendor as 'stunning and in show condition'.
It should be noted that both the accompanying V5C Registration Certificate and HPI report incorrectly record the frame and engine numbers, rendering the 'N13' prefix/ suffix as 'NB'.
Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning and/ or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding.
£2, 800 - 3, 800
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.
