Description
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands Viewing: Tues 27th October from 1pm Auction: Wed 28th October from 10am Location: National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ Registration No: KRB 105N Frame No: 327836 MOT: Exempt Stunning matching-numbers Commando 850 MkIII, with matching frame and engine numbers confirmed by the Norton Owners Club Repatriated from the USA and subsequently subjected to an extensive nut-and-bolt restoration Professionally rewired with negative-earth electrics and numerous well-considered mechanical and electrical upgrades Supplied with an extensive history file, restoration photographs, original Norton literature and a substantial collection of invoices Registration No: KRB 105NFrame No: 327836MOT: Exempt Stunning matching-numbers Commando 850 MkIII, with matching frame and engine numbers confirmed by the Norton Owners Club Repatriated from the USA and subsequently subjected to an extensive nut-and-bolt restoration Professionally rewired with negative-earth electrics and numerous well-considered mechanical and electrical upgrades Supplied with an extensive history file, restoration photographs, original Norton literature and a substantial collection of invoices The Norton Commando needs little introduction, having established itself as one of the defining British motorcycles of the 1970s. The 850 MkIII represented the final development of the original Commando and brought with it a number of significant improvements, not least the welcome addition of electric starting. This exceptionally smart example was manufactured in February 1975, with its matching frame and engine numbers confirmed by correspondence from the Norton Owners Club. Repatriated from Texas, it was subsequently subjected to a comprehensive nut-and-bolt restoration by its previous owner, with the current vendor continuing to develop and improve the machine during his ownership. Presented in a sporting café-racer style, the Norton is currently fitted with a polished aluminium fuel tank, café-style seat and Clubman handlebars. Importantly, a more conventional tank and seat arrangement together with original-style handlebars are also included, allowing its next owner to alter the appearance if desired. The quality and extent of the work carried out is demonstrated by an impressive history file containing a substantial collection of invoices, many from Andover Norton International, documenting thousands of pounds of expenditure. The specification includes alloy wheel rims with stainless-steel spokes, an AP Racing front brake caliper with braided hose and a Lockheed master cylinder, Boyer digital ignition and coils, Boyer Power Box regulator/ rectifier, Amal Premier carburettors, a high-power Wasp starter motor with uprated Andover Norton starter cables, stainless-steel rear master cylinder and traditional Peashooter silencers. An AP Racing front brake master cylinder is also included with the motorcycle, but is not currently fitted as it does not accommodate the mirrors. Particular attention has also been paid to the electrical system. The machine has undergone an extensive professional rewire and conversion to negative earth, with the ignition and charging systems reworked and a new regulator/ rectifier fitted. Further improvements include an oil-pressure switch and warning light, LED lighting upgrades and numerous new cables, switches, connections and associated components. A wiring diagram for the revised electrical system accompanies the motorcycle. More recent expenditure has included a new battery, clutch pushrod and cable, exhaust pipes, grips, mirrors, plugs and numerous seals, gaskets, fittings and detail parts. The speedometer has also been stripped, overhauled and rebuilt. The sheer quantity of invoices and restoration documentation illustrates the considerable attention lavished on the machine. The accompanying history file is equally impressive, containing photographs documenting the restoration, the current V5C and Norton Owners Club correspondence. Also present is the original-style Norton literature wallet containing the rider’s manual and original Norton guarantee card, together with a large quantity of supporting paperwork and invoices. Interestingly, the rider’s manual is dated 2nd October 1976, while Norton Owners Club records confirm the motorcycle itself was manufactured in February 1975. During our photography session the Commando started readily on its electric starter, ran beautifully and sounded excellent through its Peashooter silencers. The overall presentation and standard of finish are particularly impressive, making this a superbly restored and thoughtfully upgraded example of the desirable electric-start 850 MkIII. ** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply** Entry by catalogue and can be purchased for £20 (admits 2...
