Arguably the greatest name in the British motorcycle industry, Norton, founded by James Lansdowne Norton in 1901, firmly established its sporting prowess in the first Tourist Trophy Race on the Isle of Man just one hundred years ago when H. Rem Fowler rode his V-twin Norton to a heroic victory. Just one year later in 1908 Norton announced the Big Four, a model that remained in production through to the 1930s. It can be said that production models were truly race-bred throughout Norton history, the lessons learned in road racing being carried through to production models. The valuable publicity gained from racing undoubtedly boosted sales and many a Norton customer aspired to the riding style of such greats as Alec Bennett, George Tucker, Joe Craig and even the great Tazio Nuvolari. Later years of course saw such giants as Mike Hailwood, Phil Read, John Surtees and Geoff Duke riding under the Norton banner. This powerful, single-cylinder, side-valve Big Four typifies the traditional vintage combination of the early 1920’s. First registered in York, in the North of England, it is very smartly presented in traditional Norton livery, silver-grey with black and red coachlining and correct Norton tank script. All fittings are nickel plated and the machine is generously equipped with a full acetylene lighting set, including a delightful mudguard-mounted sidecar lamp. The machine has a luggage platform with petrol can mounted beneath and carries a wicker picnic basket. The handlebar-mounted 0-80mph speedometer drives from a gear on the front wheel and rider comforts are provided by a generous leaf-sprung leather saddle; the rider’s foot boards retaining their original Norton rubbers. Additional equipment includes a crossbar-mounted tire pump, an early Automobile Association badge and a licence holder. Note in particular the excellent chain cases on this model, so often missing or damaged. The single passenger sporting sidecar is believed to be of Norton manufacture and correctly reupholstered in Rexine, a material that would most probably have been used in its day, withstanding the weather. A tonneau cover is provided for the sidecar. The fuel tank-mounted oil pump and regulator so typify the vintage period. This handsome machine was restored some years ago and has now gently mellowed. During the present ownership it has not seen recent use on the road, but we feel will respond exceptionally well to the usual careful recommissioning.
Arguably the greatest name in the British motorcycle industry, Norton, founded by James Lansdowne Norton in 1901, firmly established its sporting prowess in the first Tourist Trophy Race on the Isle of Man just one hundred years ago when H. Rem Fowler rode his V-twin Norton to a heroic victory. Just one year later in 1908 Norton announced the Big Four, a model that remained in production through to the 1930s. It can be said that production models were truly race-bred throughout Norton history, the lessons learned in road racing being carried through to production models. The valuable publicity gained from racing undoubtedly boosted sales and many a Norton customer aspired to the riding style of such greats as Alec Bennett, George Tucker, Joe Craig and even the great Tazio Nuvolari. Later years of course saw such giants as Mike Hailwood, Phil Read, John Surtees and Geoff Duke riding under the Norton banner. This powerful, single-cylinder, side-valve Big Four typifies the traditional vintage combination of the early 1920’s. First registered in York, in the North of England, it is very smartly presented in traditional Norton livery, silver-grey with black and red coachlining and correct Norton tank script. All fittings are nickel plated and the machine is generously equipped with a full acetylene lighting set, including a delightful mudguard-mounted sidecar lamp. The machine has a luggage platform with petrol can mounted beneath and carries a wicker picnic basket. The handlebar-mounted 0-80mph speedometer drives from a gear on the front wheel and rider comforts are provided by a generous leaf-sprung leather saddle; the rider’s foot boards retaining their original Norton rubbers. Additional equipment includes a crossbar-mounted tire pump, an early Automobile Association badge and a licence holder. Note in particular the excellent chain cases on this model, so often missing or damaged. The single passenger sporting sidecar is believed to be of Norton manufacture and correctly reupholstered in Rexine, a material that would most probably have been used in its day, withstanding the weather. A tonneau cover is provided for the sidecar. The fuel tank-mounted oil pump and regulator so typify the vintage period. This handsome machine was restored some years ago and has now gently mellowed. During the present ownership it has not seen recent use on the road, but we feel will respond exceptionally well to the usual careful recommissioning.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
