Launched in 1932, the International was one of Norton's top-of-the-range sports roadster bikes when Walter Moore created the first Norton overhead camshaft engine with a 490cc capacity. A fantastic era for Norton as they won all the Manx TT races in the 500cc class from 1921 until 1939. 

This particular model is a 1937 Norton International, which was fully restored approximately 20 years ago to the original specification as it would have come from the factory. A beautiful machine enjoyed by the vendor for the past three years as a piece of art in his private collection.

Unfortunately, the main part of the V5 has been lost, leaving only the green new keeper slip, so we are unable to say how many previous keepers were noted on the V5. However, there is a nice selection of invoices that came with the bike and were collected during its restoration some 20 years ago.

When the seller purchased the bike, the seller at the time did start it up from just the back wheel showing the engine had excellent compression, and since then, the bike has not been used. In addition, the seller has ensured the chain has not been left to dry out, and any other grease points have been well maintained.   

Starting at the front of the bike, the Mudguard is finished in gloss black enamel and in good condition with no apparent chips or scuffs. The girder forks look in good order, and everything moved as it should when moving the bike about. The handlebars are in good order, with just some light tarnishing to the finish, and the same can be said for the brake and clutch lever. The front aluminium wheel has been replaced but is in good condition and in a natural finish. Fitted to this is an Avon Speedmaster tyre with a good amount of tread but it has been unused for several years so may need to be replaced. 

The frame has also been finished in gloss black enamel as it would have been when new. This looks in good condition with no corrosion to point out. The fuel tank is classic for the 30s era and has the Piecrust edging and is finished in silver and black with a highlighted red pinstripe. The oil tank is also the same and features the longer neck to aid filling it up. The saddle shows some signs of patina but is still comfortable. The small pad behind is to rest on as you move yourself back to get as streamlined as possible lying over the tank. 

At the rear, the mudguard is in good order, as is the registration plate holder. The rear aluminium matches the front with the same natural finish, and again although the tyre has good tread, it would be wise to replace this before riding. 

As mentioned, the vendor saw the bike running when he purchased it approximately three years ago, and it started up easily from the back wheel with no bump starting. However, since then, it has not been run, and it would be recommended for someone who is competent to give the bike a full recommissioning before the bike is ridden again. 

The engine is a 500cc overhead camshaft connected to a four-speed gearbox. At the time, it was one of the most successful 500cc engines in production and made its way into the history books with its huge success.

A fantastic 1937 Norton, itching to be used again. The bike has only been standing for three years in a collection. Before that, it was running, so some recommissioning should see the Norton back up and running again. Or you could leave it as the vendor did as a beautiful sculpture to admire. 

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