1930 Norton 20 500cc Classic Vintage Extremely Rare, Oily Rag Full Working Order

Important motorcycle in fabulous oily rag unrestored condition. In full working order.

Norton Model 20, first registered 18.11.1930, although being a 1931 model year in terms of specification, so it has the advantage of being a Banbury eligible machine. The Model 20 Norton is basically similar to or an upgraded version of the legendary Model 18, having a 500cc overhead valve twin exhaust port engine instead of a single port on the Model 18. This machine is quite remarkable in the sense that it is very correct and original and has remained substantially unrestored, and as it is, it is still utterly usable. The machine was sold by agent or dealer: Duplex (Motors) in Darlington, County Durham, in November 1930 to a Mr. H. Cherrington, East Harlsley, Northallerton, Yorks. It is thought to have stayed in this area until 2010/11, after it had been put out for the bin men (not true, but it makes a good story). Since discovery, it was put into working order and a new piston was fitted. The gearbox is a pre-31 LS type, so they were probably using up old stock. A quantity of old tax discs are with the bike and show that by 1937 it had gained a sidecar, which according to the tax discs was still with it in 1958. There are no tax discs for the 1939 to 1945 period, indicating it was unused during WW2, and we assume the bike retired from active service around 1959.

The bike retains many desirable original features, including a 1930 RAC badge and bulb horn. Also not shown in the pictures are a pair of pillion footrests and a pillion saddle. There is also a lovely old toolkit in its leather roll. Factory records indicate that the machine remains very much as it left the factory. The bike has had the fuel and oil tanks thoroughly cleaned out, as well as the carburetor, and is fitted with new tyres and tubes. New sealing washers have been fitted to the fuel and oil tank caps, new straps made and fitted to the tool boxes, and one latch straightened. The rear stand has been straightened, and all sidecar fittings have been removed. New brake linings, new rear wheel bearings, and new exhaust silencers/fishtails have been fitted, as well as a replacement rear sprocket. (The old silencers, which have been removed and replaced with the correct style fishtails, will come with the bike on completion of the sale.) The dynamo has been rebuilt to two brush (Tony Cooper) and refitted. New control cables have also been fitted. The electrical side of the bike has also been gone through, and everything is in good working order. (All cycle parts have been treated with linseed oil.)

All in all, this must be an almost unique opportunity for anyone who not only wants a vintage Norton of the sporty variety but also values originality and the genuine unrestored look. There cannot be many usable original and unrestored Nortons, let alone Model 20s. The bike always attracts attention from admirers who marvel at its time-warp condition. (This motorcycle will only be original once. This is not a glitzed-up restored Lounge Queen.) I very much doubt you will find another.

All paperwork is in order, along with the V5c registration documents, factory record sheet, old tax discs, The Vintage Motor Cycle Club extract from works records, etc.

The asking price is £25,000. Please call with any questions. Additional photos etc. can be supplied if requested.

Please call the shop/showroom Monday to Friday between 10 and 5. All payments accepted. Delivery can easily be arranged anywhere in the world for an extra fee. Part exchange welcome.