Spectacular 1948 Norton International 500cc OHC

If you’re reading this, ou most likely know what a Norton International is—the overhead camshaft 500cc single sports roadster, uilt from 1931 through 1957, hat dominated international roadracing from the 1930s through the postwar years, ntil Norton upped the ante with the legendary race-only Manx model. Most were ridden hard or stripped and raced and few have survived the ravages of time.

On offer here is a most exceptional example of the vaunted “Inter” with a fascinating story. Any Norton International is a historic and important motorcycle, ut this one is (or was, pon my relatively recent purchase) a one-owner machine from new. Returning to California from the service overseas, he original owner spent his military discharge payment on the purchase of a new 1948 Norton 500cc International, nd patiently waited two years for its delivery to Al Fergoda Motorcycles in San Francisco, aying the then-princely sum of $660.88. He stripped off the fenders and extraneous parts and used it for reliable sojourns to his cabin in the Northern California mountains. Somehow, e’d saved all that original sheetmetal and every bracket and bolt, or over 60 years…as well as the original California title, egistration card and bill of sale.

Deciding to restore this treasure from his youth, e paid the finest craftsmen to restore the machine to as-new, ncluding a complete stripdown, epainting the frame and all sheetmetal to show quality level (even creating templates of the painted panels and hand lining to ensure absolutely accurate recreation of the original livery. These templates are included), nd replating every chrome piece, ven repainting and hand lining the wheel rim centres as new. Fortunately he didn’t have to hunt down any parts as he’d kept everything! But now in his 80s, e ran out of steam and couldn’t finish the final engine assembly. This is where I entered the story. I acquired the machine and had the final rebuild/reassembly carried out by a highly qualified classic motorcycle specialist.

The ’48 is a stunning restoration of a spectacular machine. Everything works, ncluding lighting, harging system, riginal Altette horn, tc. Included are the original air pump and the rare optional side stand. New period-correct Avon tyres are fitted. And as you can see, he Norton still sports its original yellow California license plate (updated in 1956) with a 1962 registration sticker—the last year it was on the road. And of course the original title in the original owner’s name, long with other pertinent papers, re included. A current California registration in my name is included as well.

This Norton is one of the very finest available anywhere, ut it is just short of perfect. Over the years, few flaws have appeared, he worst of which is a pea-sized ding in the rear fender just behind the seat. I’m confident a “paintless” dent remover could remove this blemish at minimal cost. Also there are a couple of tiny dings in the chrome surface of the fuel tank, nd a tiny speck of plating that was chipped off below the lined portion on the left side. A minuscule ding is on the leading edge of the chrome instrument panel. I’ve done my best to photograph these flaws and present them here for full disclosure, nd there may be tinier flaws yet I wasn’t able to see. That said, his magnificent machine—which as yet has never been shown—has many concours trophies in its future.

And you could actually ride it if you pleased. It starts and runs sweetly, nd would be a delight on a vintage motorcycle rally on the sinewy backroads for which it was designed so long ago.

Feel free to email me with any questions (other than "what is your reserve?"). The machine is sold as-is of course, ithout warranty, nd shipping is the responsibility of the buyer. This Norton International will be the crown jewel of any British bike collection, s well as a coveted addition to any museum.

Also published at eBay.com