Beschreibung:

One of the most charismatic model names in motorcycling history, ‘International’ was first used by Norton for its top-of-the-range sports roadster in 1932. The Inter’s overhead-camshaft engine had been developed in the works racers for the preceding two years, and although it retained the classic 79x100mm bore/stroke dimensions and shaft-and-bevels cam drive of the existing CS1, was entirely new. Based on the works bikes and intended for racing, the International could nevertheless be ordered with refinements such as lights and a kickstarter-equipped gearbox. By the time production halted in 1939 it was being built with a four-speed foot-change ’box and plunger rear suspension (the ‘Garden Gate’ frame), reappearing after the war in similar guise save for the adoption of the hydraulically-damped Roadholder front fork, which replaced the pre-war girder. The Inter remained fundamentally unchanged until 1953 when it gained the Featherbed frame, all-alloy engine and ‘laid down’ gearbox. Originally supplied new in racing trim, like all ’34 Inters, this example was subsequently fitted with a Lucas magdyno lighting set at some time prior to 1939. Commandeered for the war effort in 1939, it was purchased by its late owner in 1947 and used daily well into the 1960s. By the time it was laid up in 1962 this remarkable machine had covered some 300,000 miles, many of them taking part in long-distance sporting trials at which it was a frequent award winner, in addition to visiting almost every mainland race circuit and the Isle of Man TT. Its owner rebuilt the Inter in 1999 and exhibited it at a handful of local shows prior to his death in 2003. Last MoT’d to June 2002, the machine is offered with old-style logbook and Swansea V5 registration document.