Post Sale Update: This Norton sold for the BIN of $17,500.
8-18-2019 Update: Four months later, this lovely Norton is back up on eBay but now it’s a classified listing and not an auction. Find it with a BIN of $17,500 or best offer
Post Listing Update: This custom Norton did not meet reserve despite 28 bids up to $14,189.06 on eBay.
1931 was the first year for the Norton International, a motorcycle that would be produced for an impressive 26 years. This specific example (VIN: 3049256) is extra special as it’s got two significant modifications. The first is a McCandless swingarm conversion. Before the debut of the legendary Featherbed frame in 1950, the McCandless brothers offered swingarm conversions for all types of motorcycles, particularly rigid/plunger Nortons. The seller claims that this bike had the upgrade performed in 1947. In second is the motor, which is of “1947 500cc Manx Grand Prix-spec”. The bike was owned by Dr. George Cohen (check out this feature on him by The Vintagent) who “built the bike to be fast and reliable for vintage racing and demonstrating”.
Other components include Akront wheels, Dell’Orto carb, belt primary drive, Falcon shocks, and alloy “works” tanks. The sale include Dr. Cohen’s build notes, his for sale (in which he calls it a very fast bitza), and some engine assembly photos.
Though the seller claims that this bike currently runs, he hasn’t verified that for two years and it’s got plenty of cosmetic wear that I think looks great. The seller states that this “will need a mild recommissioning before any serious road riding/racing or demonstrating.”
Find this International for sale in Brewster, New York with bidding up to $12,100 and the reserve not yet met