Description
This motorcycle is Lot 294 - To be auctioned by Bonhams at The Spring Stafford Sale (The International Classic MotorCycle Show) on 26th & 27th April, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 101 - 147 are to be sold from 14:00 on Saturday 26th April 2025.
Lots 201 - 410 are to be sold from 11:00 on Sunday 27th April 2025.
Public Viewing:
Available 26th & 27th April 2025 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Stafford County Showground (The International Classic MotorCycle Show).
Lot 294
Offered from the estate of the late Derek Fox
c. 1938 Norton 490cc 'International Special'
Registration no. 778 UXK
Frame no. A3 2121 (see text)
Engine no. 83790 (see text)
Built from parts
1938 International engine fitted
Matching cylinder barrel no. 83790
Rigid frame
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.
This 'International Special' has been built up from parts. It should be noted that the frame number stamping is not typical of the factory's practice of the period and does not feature to the VMCC's Norton despatch records. Additionally, the rigid frame indicates it was likely made before 1938, which is when the plunger type frame was first introduced. Furthermore, it should also be noted that the V5C lists the engine number as '58280' (as does the accompanying HPI report) while the latter lists a previous registration of 'DJM 876' and a date of first registration in the UK of 1st January 1961. The VMCC have kindly confirmed that Engine number '83790' is from a 1938 plunger-framed International, sold in London via Lovelts but that the frame number is not listed to their records. Accordingly, prospective bidders must satisfy themselves as to the origins of the machine's component parts prior to bidding.
Derek Fox purchased the Norton from Mr Roger Murray of Buntingford on 22nd November 2004. The engine turns over; however, this motorcycle will require safety checks and recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. The machine is offered with the aforementioned V5C Registration Certificate and HPI documents.
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.
