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: 352 UTA
Frame No: G446263
MOT: Exempt
Built up to a Clubman-style specification
Very little recent use
Potentially a competitive racing machine
Norton was founded by James Lansdowne Norton in Birmingham in 1898 and began 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.
Norton first used the ES2 name for a sports model in 1927, powered by a 490cc overhead-valve single. While it retained the same long-stroke dimensions throughout its long life, it underwent many changes and post-war versions were simply general-purpose road bikes. The ES2 of 1947 introduced a plunger frame and Roadholder hydraulic front forks, while a swinging-arm frame arrived in 1953. Softly tuned and dependable, it lived up to its nickname of “Easy Two.” It eventually received the Featherbed frame in 1959, along with a host of engine and gearbox upgrades, with production continuing until 1964 (a later ES2 Mk. II was simply a rebadged Matchless).
This 1952 ES2 was registered in 1983, suggesting it had previously spent some time off the road, and appears in a very racy Clubman-style specification. Despite looking highly presentable, it is believed that it has not been on the road for more than 20 years, and in the last few years it has formed part of a private collection. In need of recommissioning, it could potentially be thrilling road-race bike. The V5C is supplied.
** 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 people)
