Highlights
- Immediate post-war Norton
- Very original example with its patina carefully preserved
- VMCC dating certificate confirming manufacture in July 1946
- Notable specification including military forks, "doll's head" gearbox, and Brooklands exhaust
- Carburettor refurbished, front brake shoes replaced, and gearbox linkage replaced during current ownership
The Appeal
The Norton Model 18 is one of the most revered overhead-valve singles in British motorcycling history, and immediate post-war examples are worthy of extra admiration. Assembled at Bracebridge Street from whatever parts the factory had to hand in the aftermath of the Second World War, these 1946 machines are particularly compelling; pre-war engineering and simple, straightforward resourcefulness during a time of Austerity. It's hard to knock the result!
This particular example is a wonderfully characterful survivor. Dated to July 1946 by The Vintage Motor Cycle Club, it wears an intriguing specification that includes military forks, a military front wheel with refurbished chronometer gearbox, a "doll's head" gearbox, and a Brooklands exhaust. The owner has dedicated themselves to maintaining that originality, patina-and-all, resisting the temptation to fit modern replacements where period-correct alternatives were unavailable.
During the current ownership of over four years, the carburettor has been refurbished, front brake shoes replaced, engine gaskets renewed, and a cracked gearbox linkage addressed. The vendor notes it rides as expected for a motorcycle approaching its 80th birthday. For enthusiasts seeking an original, unrestored Norton single with genuine post-war provenance and bags of character, this Model 18 represents a compelling opportunity.
Key Information
- Mileage: 18,742 miles (odometer is original; mileage cannot be verified)
- Country of registration: United Kingdom
- MOT status: exempt
- Technical specs: 500cc single-cylinder, 4-speed manual
- Paperwork: Manufacture date certificate from The Vintage Motor Cycle Club Ltd
The Detail
- Carburettor refurbished during current ownership
- Front brake shoes replaced during current ownership
- Cracked gearbox linkage replaced during current ownership
- Engine gaskets replaced; the vendor reports it is in good order with regards to oil seepage
- Some previously unoriginal paintwork replaced; sides of the fuel tank repainted
- Cleaned carefully to preserve the original patina, which the vendor describes as fantastic
- Fitted with military forks and a military front wheel with chronometer gearbox on the left
- Chronometer reported to be in working order
- Equipped with a "doll's head" gearbox and Brooklands exhaust
- Can be difficult to start; spark plug requires cleaning
- The vendor believes it would benefit from a new carburettor but was reluctant to fit anything unoriginal
- Magneto is not charging the battery
- Oil bath cover leaks and is currently empty; chain is lubricated manually
- All gears can be selected; the vendor reports it pulls well and stops smoothly
- The vendor reports that they haven't used the bike for long drives, but it rides as expected for a motorcycle of this age
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