Lot 231: 1935/38 Norton 348cc Model 40 Special

Norton, one of Britain’s best-known motor cycle makers, has also been one of the greatest in competition successes. Almost unconquerable in the ‘thirties and ‘forties, winner of literally thousands of racing trophies, the OHC Norton engine in Model 30 or 40 guise has become one of the greats. This has resulted in obsolete racing engines being keenly sought, rather than scrapped, in order to build racing-inspired ‘specials’ such as this one, based around a 1935 ‘Model 40’ motor. In this case, the builder has used the next best thing to an original frame in that the engine is mounted in a 1938 ‘ES2’ touring frame, itself based on the earlier racer. In the hands of its late owner for over twenty years, the Norton appears to be basically complete, though, as with all incomplete machines, prospective purchasers seeking to complete this pre-war ‘race-replica’ should examine before bidding, as more parts may have surfaced. The engine has, apparently, been rebuilt.