Description
This motorcycle is Lot 295 - 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 295
Offered from the estate of the late Derek Fox
1915 Norton 490cc Brooklands Road Special
Registration no. BS 9833
Frame no. 1468 (see text)
Engine no. 15 1108 (see text)
Early single-speed model with direct belt drive
Presented to Graham Walker in 1956
Exhibited at the National Motor Museum, Stanford Hall, and the Ken Bills Museum
Purchased by Derek Fox in 2001
Having hitherto relied on proprietary engines, Norton introduced its own in 1907. The long-stroke sidevalve single displaced 633cc and the new model it powered became known as the 'Big 4'. Smaller capacity versions followed and in 1911 the '500' adopted the classic 79x100mm bore and stroke dimensions that would characterise the half-litre (actually 490cc) Norton for the next 50 years. Norton's new sidevalve was among the fastest in its class, being the first machine under 500cc to be officially timed at over 70mph, which was some going for 1911. The following year Norton-mounted Jack Emerson easily won the 150-mile Brooklands TT against a field of more experienced competitors (setting three long-distance records in the process) having ridden his machine down from Hull! Small wonder that the slogan 'Unapproachable' began to be applied to the Norton singles at around this time. Tuner/ rider D R O'Donovan's work at the Weybridge track resulted in the introduction of tuned 'Brooklands' models in 1913, and these highly developed sports versions continued into the 1920s.
According to its manufacturer, the Brooklands Road Special was 'for those who desire exceptional power and speed for competition in a machine suitable for road work.' The BRS engines were specially prepared by the factory, run-in on the track at Brooklands and 'certified to have exceeded 70mph for a kilo.'
This early Norton - a single-speed BRS model with no clutch and direct belt drive - is believed to have been displayed at Norton's Bracebridge Street factory in Birmingham. Derek Fox purchased the machine from Mr Daniel Nash in October 2001, at which time it was still on loan (until February 2002) to the Vienna Technical Museum. The purchase receipt states that the motorcycle was presented to Graham Walker in 1956 and later exhibited at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu; the Stanford Hall collection; and at Manx Grand Prix winner Ken Bills' museum. It subsequently went to a private owner in Germany before being acquired by Daniel Nash.
Derek greatly enjoyed riding the Norton, despite its perceived impracticalities, taking part in more than one 100-mile run and participating in the Isle of Man TT Re-enactment in 2007 and 2011 (see photographs on file). In 2014 the Norton featured in an article written by James Robinson for The Classic Motorcycle's January 2015 edition (copy on file). We are advised that the machine last ran approximately 5-6 years ago; safety checks and recommissioning will be required before returning it to the road (the engine turns over).
Unfortunately, the Vintage Motor Cycle Club does not possess records for the 1915 Nortons and was unable to comment on the machine's composition. It should be noted that there is possible evidence of a fifth digit to the frame number, since eroded over time, and that the engine number stamping does not match the typical factory practice; however, with so few of these early machines surviving it may be correct. Indeed, it may be that the original number (worn away over time) has been restamped to the engine cases.
Accompanying paperwork includes the aforementioned magazine and 2001 purchase receipt; a VMCC Dating Certificate (simply confirming manufacture in 1915); an HPI report; and a V5C document recording the date of first UK registration as 13th February 2006.
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.
