Location: Melbourne
Year: 1956
Make: Norton
Model: Featherbed International
Engine Type: 500
Odometer Reading: 02142 Miles Showing
Body Type: Motorcycle
Engine Number: 69746
Stunning example with a rich history.
Raced on the Isle of Man on 3 occasions with documented records.
Fabulous addition to any collection.
Has had fame replaced with a model 99 replacement.
Originally delivered new in the UK.
Fitted with the aluminum fuel tank and Taco gauge.
Comes with additional correct speedo.
The Norton International models were loosely based on the Manx racers. Basically, the same frame and engine architecture with many of the parts interchangeable with the race bikes.
The 1953 models received a major update in 1947 when the plunger suspension frame was replaced with the wideline “Featherbed”’ frame from the Manx racer. Most of the parts from the Manx could be changed over onto the International road bike.
This bike has a checkered history. According to the factory records (copy supplied with the bike), it was delivered to customer John Thorold of Greenhithe, Kent in1956. By this time, International models were only being supplied by the factory as a special order. John Thorold raced the bike in the Manx Grand Prix in 1961, 1962 and 1964., coming 61st, 35th and DNF according to the race records. His best time around the island course was 2.55.23 with a best speed of 77 45 MPH.
This is a genuine race bike with a documented race history on the Isle of Man – the dream of many a sporting motorcyclist in the 1960s. It is fitted with the racing tachometer accessory and a beautifully crafted alloy copy of the original steel tank.
At some point, possibly after the DNF in 1964, the original frame was replaced with a correct year and very similar Wideline Frame from a Model 99 twin. The frame is currently as factory manufactured but could easily be modified back to the International configuration which involves a welded on rear mudguard loop instead of the bolted type now fitted. A Manx type swing arm is supplied with the bike to replace the road type fitted.
The bike has been fastidiously restored. In recent times, a spanner accidently dropped on the speedometer. A correct but unrestored Chonometric Speedo is supplied with the bike.
Occasionally, motorbikes bikes are offered for sale with verbal claims of racing history. This bike has a documented history, not just the ramblings of some old guy with a dodgy memory. This makes it special. It is restored to its factory delivered road spec, so it can be registered and ridden. The winning bidder can ride it in the spirit of John Thorold, mill-wright but maybe not at Isle of Man speeds all the time ….The new owner can live the dream of the privateer taking on the unbeatable BSA Gold Stars on the most famous racecourse in the world.
This motorcycle is located in our facility in Melbourne, for further information please contact Dave Hosking 0474 182 002 or Mason Hibbert 0455 191 035.
To protect your investment vehicle bidders should consider at a minimum replacement of fuel, oil, fluids, filters and thorough brake inspection as vehicles may have been stationary for some time. Vehicles are sold as is off the floor – unregistered. No warranty expressed or implied, sold with all or any faults, and where applicable sold with Australian Government Import Approval. SEPTB12
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