LOT 116 - 1915 NORTON 633CC BIG 4 MOTORCYCLE COMBINATION

This motorcycle is to be auctioned at the Bonhams Summer Sale, The International Classic MotorCycle Show, Stafford , 2 – 4 July 2021

SALE TIMES
Friday 2 July
Collectors’ Motorcycles (Lots 1 - 127) Midday

Saturday 3 July
Spares and Memorabilia (Lots 201 - 551) 10am

Sunday 4 July
Motorcycles (Lot 601 - 811) 10am

VIEWING
Friday 2 July 9am to 5pm
Saturday 3 July 9am to 5pm
Sunday 4 July from 9am

ADMISSION TO THE INTERNATIONAL CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE SHOW

REGISTER TO BID

COLLECTION OF PURCHASED LOTS

AUCTION ADDRESS
Bonhams
Sandylands Centre
Staffordshire County Showground
Weston Road
Stafford
ST18 0BD

GENERAL ENQUIRIES - GUIDE FOR BUYERS – BUYER CHARGES
Please contact Bonhams Motorcycles.

PROPERTY OF A DECEASED'S ESTATE
1915 NORTON 633CC BIG 4 MOTORCYCLE COMBINATION
REGISTRATION NO. O 2559
FRAME NO. 1527
ENGINE NO. NONE VISIBLE
Having hitherto relied on proprietary engines, Norton introduced its own in 1907. The long-stroke (82x120mm) sidevalve single displaced 633cc and the new model it powered became known as the 'Big 4'. Smaller versions followed and in 1911 the '500' adopted the classic 79x100mm bore/stroke dimensions that would characterise the half-litre (actually 490cc) Norton for the next 50 years. Norton's sidevalves were revised for 1914 and in 1921 the Model 16, as it had become known, received a new lower frame, becoming the 16H. Considered by many to be an ideal sidecar 'tug', the Big 4 (and 16H) would be continuously updated for the next 30-plus years, many seeing service with Allied forces in WW2. Post-war, the Big 4 was revised with a shorter (113mm) stroke for a capacity of 597cc before taking its final bow, alongside the 16H, in 1954.

This Big 4 comes with a detached reproduction sidecar chassis and wicker 'chair' in need of restoration. Photographs and correspondence on file suggest that the machine was restored circa 2010, and it is pictured in solo form at the VMCC's 'Festival of 1,000 Bikes' at Mallory Park in July 2011. Additional documentation includes an NOC dating letter; old-style continuation logbook (1963); assorted correspondence; restoration notes and diagrams; and an old-style V5C document. This motorcycle's condition, completeness, and correctness is not known and thus it is sold strictly as viewed.

GBP10,000 - 15,000
€12,000 - 17,000
To be sold without reserve