1969 Norton Mercury
A rare Norton survivor

Registration No: VPE 661G
Frame No: 129156
Engine No: 129156
CC: 650
MOT: Exempt

• One of just 600 approximately made
• Fully restored at great expense
• All correct numbers machine
• A host of paperwork on file
• Current V5C

The Norton 650 Mercury was the culmination of Featherbed framed bikes. Production of a mere c.600 built was organized into two batches, stored in a Plumstead building with a single entrance. Consequently, the last bikes often became the first to roll out. Mercury production commenced at number 129147 in September 1967, yet the inaugural shipment, a month later, was 129353 dispatched to Swindon Motors. The aforementioned Mercury #129147 eventually left the factory in 1969, after languishing for 18 months in storage, finding its way to Grenada via the Eastern Caribbean Commission.

Standard features of basic models include painted (Atlantic Blue) mudguards, a battery box, oil tank, and primary cases, a solitary speedometer clock (sans rev counter) paired with a Silver tank. Optional upgrades encompass chromed or stainless mudguards, rev-counter parts, and the Commando twin leading-shoe front brake. Notably, the Mercury model's cylinder head and crankcases were modified Commando castings tailored to 650 specifications. Similarly, save for the main shaft, the gearbox was sourced from Commando inventory.

In February 1970, the final official factory Mercury, numbered 18SS 129894, rolled off the line. Speculation swirled that the Mercury 650 was a 'parts bin' special to clear unused factory stock. However, this assertion doesn't fully capture the reality, as many major components were either bespoke or compatible as spares for earlier models. The model's Achilles heel lay in its pricing. Once outfitted with a twin leading-shoe front brake and requisite optional extras to align with the previous 650SS specifications, the final cost nearly paralleled that of a new Commando. Unsurprisingly, the Mercury struggled to find buyers, leading to production halting after fewer than 750 units, nearly matching the Manxman MkI's production figures a decade prior.

This 1969 Norton 650 Mercury, #129156, is just one of approximately 600 produced. The previous owner realized he had something a bit special and decided to carry out a very extensive rebuild. The owner then researched the machine through Andover Norton who confirmed it to be a genuine machine. The Norton has had much money spent on the restoration and during the rebuild, he made two CDs of the restoration. The Norton is running very well and has been enjoyed by the current owner since in his ownership. It is offered with a file of receipts, many old tax discs, old MOT certificates, and a current V5C Registration Document.

For more information, please contact:
Mike Davis
mike.davis@handh.co.uk
07718 584217