Description
This motorcycle is Lot 290 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 290
Property of a deceased's estate
1954 Norton 490cc Model 30 International
Registration no. WHA 219
Frame no. 11 59178
Engine no. 59178 11
One of the most charismatic model names in motorcycling, 'International' was first used by Norton for its top-of-the-range sports roadster in 1932. All new, the Inter's overhead-camshaft engine had been developed in the works racers over the preceding two years and retained Norton's classic 79x100mm bore/ stroke dimensions. By the time production halted in 1939 the Inter was being built with a four-speed foot-change gearbox and plunger rear suspension, reappearing postwar in similar guise save for the hydraulically-damped Roadholder front fork, which replaced the pre-war girder. The Inter would remain fundamentally unchanged until 1953 when it gained the race-developed Featherbed frame, all-alloy engine and 'laid down' 'box. Expensive to make and challenged by cheaper parallel twins of comparable performance, the Inter ceased to be catalogued after 1955 but could still be obtained to special order until 1958.
Originally supplied to Copes of Hagley Road, Birmingham, this International is an older restoration that was kept on display in the late owner's living room. It remains in generally good condition although there is some rust and damage to the fuel tank. The Norton was purchased from a UK auction sale catalogue in May 2018. A copy of the sale catalogue is on file and the machine also comes with an old-style buff logbook, a current V5C document and a photocopy of the previous V5C.
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.
