c.1950 Norton 500cc International Special
Frame no. 38
Engine no. to be advised

• Iconic machine of the time
• Raced during the 1990's
•

Norton's series of over-the-counter road race models built an enviable post war reputation, an image which still endures today. Though barely 100 hand-built examples of the Manx were manufactured for each new season (and, quite remarkably, they were often only completed just a few days before official TT Practice began in late May...) the 500cc model was forever in demand by up-and-coming private owners. At the same time less affluent competitors would use their best endeavours to convert a road-going International model into full racer spec...as with this particular machine. Thanks to the long-standing reputation of Norton's various ohc engines there is now a wider range of spare parts currently available than at any previous time. This factor has prompted the creation and existence of far more ohc Nortons than ever officially left Birmingham's Bracebridge Street factory all those years ago. More importantly though it ensures that 'cammy' Nortons of all types can now be kept running in a decent stage of tune, whether to be ridden in anger or for gentle pottering at a Rally.

The yellow-plated racer, which is constructed from a mix of parts, is offered in the identical condition as when last raced -- during the final years of the 1990s -- by the vendor's late father, despite he was over 70 years of age at the time. Although there is no record of either his or the bike's competition history, the family are happily aware that he was both a regular and popular feature within the contemporary club racing scene. On the mechanical side of things some useful information is provided by an undated Phil Kettle invoice, on which he records a repair to the International engine's drive side crankcase, prior to completing a comprehensive renovation of the motor itself. The Kettle paperwork is too lengthy for repetition here; suffice to say seemingly no expense was spare. For reasons unknown the front brake plate is supplied, but not currently in place. Kitted out with any number of authentic Manx parts, including a full capacity oil tank, conical hubs, and a mini handlebar race screen, the machine is also equipped with Koni rear suspension units. This replica Norton 'warhorse' is an ideal candidate for some sympathetic tlc.