Description
This motorcycle is Lot 159 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Autumn Stafford Sale (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show) on 12 & 13 October, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 1 - 176 are to be sold from 11:00 on Saturday 12th October 2024.
Lots 201 - 429 are to be sold from 11:00 on Saturday 13th October 2024.
Public Viewing:
Available 12th & 13th October 2024 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Stafford County Showground (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show).
Lot 159
The Andy Chapman Collection
1976 Norton Commando 850 MkIII Electric Start
Registration no. KKF 70P
Frame no. the details below
Engine no. the details below
Designed by engineers Bernard Hooper and Bob Twigg - supervised by Norton Villiers' Director of Engineering, Dr Stefan Bauer - the Commando's vibration-beating Isolastic frame enabled the company successfully to prolong the life of its ageing parallel twin. Launched in 1967, with production commencing in 1968, the Commando used the preceding Featherbed-framed Atlas model's 750cc engine and AMC four-speed gearbox, and was an instant hit with the motorcycling public, being voted Motor Cycle News 'Machine of the Year' for five consecutive years. Introduced in 1973, the 850 (actually 828cc) featured a larger bore, through-bolted cylinder block, stronger gearbox casting and an all-metal clutch among a host of other, more minor improvements. The extra capacity provided the 850 with even more mid-range urge, and the model would continue as the sole Commando after 1975 when the electric-start Mark III was introduced.
Acquired by our vendor in 2019, this 850 MkIII currently displays a total of 17, 391 miles on the odometer (at the time of cataloguing/ photography) and carries a tax disc that expired in 1991. Following a period of inactivity, the machine will require re-commissioning to a greater or lesser extent, or possibly more extensive restoration, before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Offered with a V5C document.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
