Restored to immaculate condition from 2020 to 2022
Unique polished metal custom finish
Originally manufactured for the American desert-racer market
Never run on British roads
The Appeal
The late 1960s and 1970s may be remembered as a troubled time for the British motorcycle industry but machines like the Commando prove it wasn’t all doom and gloom. Associated Motor Cycles, the parent company which owned Matchless, AJS, Norton, Francis-Barnett and James, may have gone bankrupt in 1966, but Manganese Bronze Holdings intervened to save Norton, and Norton-Villiers emerged from the ashes.
Until the end of A.M.C., Norton’s flagship was the 750cc Atlas, which relied on an antiquated 20-year-old design. Dennis Poore, Chairman of Manganese Bronze, wanted a fresh and exciting flagship ready for the 1967 Earl’s Court Motorcycle Show. The all-new and very modern-looking Commando duly burst onto the scene after the old Atlas engine had been significantly developed and improved so that it would keep pace with its fastest rivals. The Commando achieved all the success it deserved, becoming a universal sales success and being named Machine of the Year by Motor Cycle for five consecutive years from 1968 to 1972.
One of the most interesting variations was the S-type, a model not generally seen in Britain as it was conceived for the American desert-racer market as successor to the Norton P11. Unlike the P11, the S-type benefitted from the Commando’s celebrated isolastic frame, which kept engine vibration to a minimum. It was also lighter and shinier than the ordinary Commando, having its own tank, seat, side panels, tail unit, high-rise exhaust pipes, motocross-style handlebars, headlamp trim and cut-down chain guard. Despite selling well, it was only built until late 1970.
This handsome example was recently imported from Arizona and has since been subjected to an extremely high-quality restoration by a consummate enthusiast, who has restored many bikes to concours standard over the past 12 years. He has incorporated his own personal touches, including a highly-polished, bare-metal finish which reflects customizing tastes in the late ’60s and early ’70s. A real rarity in Britain, it deserves to be seen not just for its immaculate condition but also for what it is: a rare model in a scarcely-seen period style. 2.JPG2.89 MB
The History and Paperwork
Manufactured in September 1970 and originally exported to America
Possibly one of several built by the Norton factory as an R-type and converted to S specification by the American dealer
Known to have resided in Flagstaff, Arizona, in 2010
Imported into Britain by the vendor and comprehensively stripped down and restored from 2020 to 2022
Registered with the DVLA in April 2022 but never used on British roads
Offered for sale with the current V5, a certificate of authenticity from the Norton Owners Club, the old Arizona Certificate of Title and a huge file of invoices pertaining to the restoration
Custom polished metal authentically recreates customizing tastes in the early ’70s
Truly exemplary – a potential show-winner
As bought by the vendor, who rode a Commando in his youth and has restored multiple bikes, this was a very original and complete S-type which, over 50 years, had become somewhat worn out. Not being one to shy away from a challenge, he duly set to work not only bringing it back to life, but also undertaking his own mild custom work to highlight and celebrate an often-forgotten aspect of motorcycling culture.
There was a brief period of history when, for a few glorious years in the late ’60s and early ’70s, the king of the coffee bar was whoever had the most shining chrome and polished alloy on their bike. In period, the vendor was an enthusiastic practitioner of the polished look, and set out to recreate it. We’re pleased he did, because it seems knowledge of period custom trends has been an unfortunate casualty of the modern-day preoccupation with factory-correct restorations. Had this bike been around at the time, its rider would surely have been king of every coffee bar in the country.
Multiple new parts were used in the restoration, including most significantly the alloy fuel tank and side panels from Tab II Classics, all of which have helped it on its way to looking as good as it now does. Since completion, it has been kept garaged and protected by dust sheets/ There are one or two very slight cosmetic blemishes on the mudguards and on the rev counter, but that can be appreciated as patina. Aside from those two little things, it’s virtually impossible to find fault with a bike that shines so brightly it would put a policeman’s boots to shame. 1.JPG2.72 MB
The Mechanics
Engine fully rebuilt
All other mechanical systems completely overhauled
Not yet run following restoration
Just as the vendor has taken great pains to get the Commando in top cosmetic order, so has he also taken every possible step to ensure that it’s in the best mechanical shape. The engine has been fully rebuilt with all the other mechanical systems checked and overhauled as necessary. Numerous new parts have been used throughout, and the brakes have been rebuilt with new shoes.
A look at the exterior ought to give you a good idea of the care which has been taken with the engine, although we are not able to offer much additional information as the bike has not been run since the work was completed. So far, it has been stored with the engine dry of oil and fuel. Viewers should therefore be aware that they are bidding on a bike which has effectively been freshly restored and will require running in for about 500 miles or so before it’s ready to really burn up the King’s highway. When you get to that point, you’ll be the envy of the road, but you’ll probably be having too much fun to notice. 68.JPG2.95 MB
The Summary
A very rare American variant of the Commando, catering for the country’s many followers of desert racing, the S-type is a real collector’s bike, especially in Britain. This example is a little different from the rest, having been modified in a period style which is seldom glimpsed today, and that only serves to make it even more interesting. Still immaculate after its meticulous restoration, this is a very special machine which has the potential to win awards at both classic and custom bike meets.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
