Lot details Registration No: N/A Frame No: 1104808 Engine No: 160741 cc: 494 MOT Expiry Date: N/A
During the first half of the thirties a pair of overhead cam singles represented NSU in competition. Typed the 501SS and 601SS the machines had a distinctly "English" appearance, hardly surprising given that they were created by former Norton designer Walter Moore.
Moore had joined the Bracebridge Street company in 1924 and had overseen Norton's competition efforts during his stay with the firm. In 1927 he had designed the first "cammy" Nortons for the works team. When the new machines made their debut at the 1927 TT first Stanley Woods and then Alec Bennett led the race, both by a considerable margin until both were forced to retire due to clutch problems. With the design proven on the track production versions were quick to follow with the CS1 490cc model making its debut at the 1928 Show quickly joined by the 348cc CSJ. NSU had been endeavouring to secure Moore's services for a number of years and succeeded at the end of 1929 with Moore joining the German company for 1930, taking his camshaft design with him to create the 501 and 601 Supersports.
Built between 1930 and 1935 the two models were equipped with a four speed gearbox, Bosch magneto, hairpin valves and a Fischer Amal carburettor. The engine dimensions for the 501SS were different to those employed by the CS1 with a bore and stroke of 80 x 99mm giving a capacity of 494cc (the CS1 having retained the traditional Norton bore and stroke of 79 x 100mm to give a 490cc displacement), whilst the 601 had a 592cc displacement. The cycle parts were typical of the period with a rigid frame and girder forks. Both models met with considerable success in Europe with the team being led by Tommy Bullus, although they were never able to match the works Nortons designed by Arthur Carroll at the TT. Walter Moore remained at NSU until the eve of the Second World War, returning to the UK in 1939.
This example of the 501SS variant had formed part of a static collection for approximately four years prior to its purchase by the vendor two years ago. Although it was presented to a high cosmetic standard at the time of purchase it required some mechanical attention including a gearbox rebuild to return it to use which the vendor undertook. Its mechanical condition now reflects its cosmetic presentation and it has seen use at events such as Varano in 2013.
All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.
You can collect your new pride and joy from our venue until 1pm the day following the sale or our partners are on hand to help arrange safe transportation:
If so, contact one of our friendly specialists for your free valuation by completing the form below and someone will get back to you as quickly as possible.
If you prefer to speak to humans, don't hesitate to call our office on +44 (0)1925 210035