1939 Model 30M Norton - For sale

At dr George's site. George:"The ‘M’ denotes to “Full Manx specification”. The differences from a “Standard” International are: Paired down lugs on frame. Full wrap round oil tank (this one is a new alloy item). Larger petrol tank (this one is new alloy item, and slightly smaller). Magnesium crankcases, cambox, timing chest etc. Different flywheel and conrod. Hotter cams. Manx clutch, C.R. gearbox ratios. Conical front hub, with magnesium brake plate. Megaphone exhaust. And probably a few more variations which escape me at present."

"This bike was bought by Wilfred Caunce in 1939 to race at the Manx GP. The 2nd WW stopped all that, but Caunce hid the bike, to avoid it being commissioned for the war effort. He rode in the Senior Manx GP in 1946 and came 34th and the following year he was 40th, but there was a much larger entry in 1947. It is matching engine and frame numbers, original log book and V5C. Picture shows a replica petrol tank which will be replaced by the original. Totally rebuilt. Available when running in miles and road tests are complete. A rare opportunity to buy an original pre-war Manx with Isle of Man history and totally sorted."

Model 16H Norton

Bartrop, Australian GP, 1939 Model 40 Norton

Contributed by Dennis: "An interesting pic of Bert Bartrop on the line at the Australian GP, Bathurst, Easter 1939. It is his Junior entry, riding number 6. I see in the report of the race that Bartrop was second for 18 laps, then was passed by eventually winner Eddie Wannick, and second man Jim Madsen, both on Nortons and third place man Don Bain on a 495cc OHC Velocette. Bartrop came 4th.

Behind is Harry Hinton on a BSA, number 12... Harry Hinton was known for his Norton exploits and the Hinton Dynasty with Nortons....Sons Eric and Harry Junior (who was killed riding in the Gold Cup event at Imola, Italy, April 1959), then Eric's son Peter....all great riders.

Evocative pic...note the highcrown Cromwell helmet."

1939 M30 International Norton

Talking about unsavoury types; meet Franz Vaasen. He raced at the Isle of Man in 1939 with his Model 30 International Norton but did not get far as his frame broke after four laps. Note the Nazi emblem on his leathers; he could have been the model for this poster. Why did he race a Norton...?

1939 Norton Model 50

A very nice and original 1939 "oily-rag condition" Model 50 from Andy Tiernan's website. This is the 350cc version of the Model 18. Note the inclined pushrod tubes and the absence of the oilpressure tell-tale. Priced at £5000.