Lot 524: c.1947 Norton 490cc International Model 30

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 kickstart-equipped gearbox. By the time production halted in 1939 it was being built with a four-speed foot-change ’box and plunger rear suspension, 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. Finished in Norton’s traditional silver and black, this fine ‘garden gate’ Inter has been sensibly up-dated with the later alloy cylinder head, and boasts a handsome ‘Brooklands Can’-style silencer. The machine came into the present ownership 18 years ago and has been kept indoors on display for the past ten years. We are advised that, unfortunately, its documents have been lost.