1957 Norton short-stroke ES2 Café Racer

Pre-bids

Highlights 

  • Café racer built primarily from new parts
  • Short-stroke 440cc engine
  • Zero miles; engine run in workshop
  • Red frame and bare aluminum gas tank
  • MOT/road tax exempt

The Appeal

 
Originally introduced in 1927 and produced for a remarkably long time, the ES2 was one of Norton's most enduring models, remaining popular due to being highly reliable and easy to maintain. The ES2 evolved during its production run, gaining an innovative hydraulically damped telescopic front fork and race-developed rear plunger suspension in 1947, and a single downtube swingarm frame in 1953.
 
This 1957 example has been expertly transformed into a café racer, built primarily from new parts sourced from the seller's own collection. It features a short-stroke, 440cc version of the single-cylinder, air-cooled engine, offering greater responsiveness. Both the engine and the transmission have been fully rebuilt, and the engine has been run in the seller's workshop.
 
The stripped-down bike features a red frame, bare aluminum tank and aero screen with black number fairing below. The rear suspension features Hagon shock absorbers. The gas tank is very special indeed. Bob Macintyre lost his life in 1962 at Oulton Park Circuit in Cheshire. One of his race bikes, a 350 Manx Norton has been recently restored and fitted with a new gas tank. The seller was able to purchase the original Lyta tank manufactured in the early 1960s. "There are a couple of small dents in the tank, but I decided not to touch it; I thought it should be kept original. To me it's an absolute gem to have an ex Bob Mac tank on the Norton."

The seller adds, "I've not been able to ride the Norton, due to a hip injury – but based on previous engines that I have built, it will be pleasingly fast." This one-of-a-kind creation is sure to bring both great pleasure and draw admiration whenever it is taken out on the road.
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Key Information

  • Mileage: 0 miles (indicated)
  • Country of registration: United Kingdom
  • Technical inspection status: MOT/road tax exempt
  • Technical specs: 440cc 25hp air-cooled single-cylinder gasoline, 4-speed manual
  • Paperwork: V5C

The Detail

  • Café racer built primarily from new parts
  • Short-stroke 440cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine
  • Engine and transmission fully rebuilt
  • Engine run in workshop
  • Red frame
  • Bare aluminum gas tank
  • Aero screen
  • Black number fairing
  • Hagon rear shock absorbers
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BEFORE YOU BUY 
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following: 
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic's own Terms and Conditions.. 
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee  be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates. 
✓ This vehicle is "Sold As Seen", on an "As Is Where Is' basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind. 
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. 
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✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle's status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own  full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle. 
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection 
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidder's responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase. 
✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalized, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle. 

Pre-bids

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A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction. You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.

Auction Details

  • Year1957
  • MakeNorton
  • ModelES2
  • ColourSilver
  • Engine size440cc
  • TransmissionManual
  • Fuel typePetrol
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • TownCoppull
  • CountyLancashire
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

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