1938 Inter Norton
No Reserve-Part of the NMM collection

Registration No: Unregistered
Frame No: Not visible
MOT: Exempt

• Part of the NMM Collection in recent years
• 1938 Inter built to Manx racing specification
• Excellently restored back to authentic condition

Norton was founded by James Lansdowne Norton in Birmingham in 1898 and began building motorcycles with French and Swiss engines in 1902. In 1907, a Norton with a Peugeot engine won the first Isle of Man TT race, beginning a long tradition of sporting excellence. The name International was first used by Norton for both its newly designed race bikes and the TT replica roadster in 1932. Overseen by Joe Craig, Arthur Carroll had designed an overhead-camshaft engine for the works racers and although it retained the same bore and stroke of the CS1, the International was all new. In 1936, the engine was upgraded with an alloy head and barrel and by 1938 plunger rear suspension was added to complement the girder front forks. If you wanted to succeed in racing you needed an Inter and although technically a road bike, most were supplied in 'Manx' specification for track use. Pre war racing Internationals were generally known as Manx's, but it was not until 1946 that the title was used officially by Norton on the 30M and 40M models. In the 1930s, an Inter to this specification would have cost around £120, a year's annual salary, so quite a commitment for riders at the time.

This beautifully presented Inter has been part of the NMM collection for a number of years and is now being offered for sale, at no reserve, to make space for a feature workshop in Hall 3 of the Museum. Restored to a very high standard, this is a unique opportunity to acquire an important part of British motorcycle development. Stood on display for a while it will need recommissioning before use.

For more information, please contact:
Ian Cunningham
ian.cunningham@handh.co.uk
07415871189