Lot details
Registration No: TRA 270
Frame No: 51066HA
Engine No: 51063H4
cc: 498
MOT Expiry Date: None

By the late 50's the 'Unapproachable'' Norton was one of the most famous and illustrious names in the world of motorcycling. Norton's 500cc ohv single machinery was by then at its limit of developement and fast becoming eclipsed by the old firm's more modern, fashionable twins of similar and larger capacity. This was unsurprising, as the 500 single range could be traced right back through it's line of distinctive ancestors to the first large capacity Norton single of 1907. Little changed after WW2, apart from altering the khaki WD colour schemes on the continuing pre-war Model 18 and 16H designs, but by 1947, after some success in racing, some new models came into the range, including the ES2. Known by some as the ''Easy Two'' due to it's soft tune and easy handling, soon to become recognised by those requiring a reliable ride to work machine, this model was to remain popular for more than a decade acquiring many upgrades along the way and ultimately the fitment of alternator electrics and the Featherbed frame by 1959.
The 1953 ES2 in question here today is from around the middle period of the model's production . 1953 was a significant year and saw the introduction of a new pivoted fork frame, dual seat and pear shaped silencer giving it a more contemporary look, although Norton's policy of conservative, traditional British construction, not changing much without good cause, still preserved and improved on the machine's essential attributes. This particular example displays all the features introduced in '53 and TRA 270 appears to be in very good and correct order having been comprehensively restored by the long standing owner in 1995. Showing only 2500 odd miles since restoration the machine was last on the road in 2005, so may need only the lightest of recommissioning before returning to use. The owner describes it as 'all good' and with original frame and engine numbers, V5, buff log book and dating certificate the ES2 is truly a classic by any measure and should give an active new owner/rider many hours of motorcycling pleasure.