EXCITING CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE COLLECTION PURCHASED
We are delighted to announce that we have taken the opportunity to purchase 55 classic Norton bikes to start our heritage collection.
Exciting Motorcycle collection purchased
The collection, which spans from 1916 to 1992, boasts some of the rarest Norton bikes and sidecars ever produced including models such as Model 1 ‘Big four’, our founder James “Pa” Norton’s favourite bike, and a rare speedway from 1930. A 1968 Norton Atlas Police motorcycle used for Royal Family escorts, which previously rode alongside the Queen, the Queen Mother and Prince Charles is another notable bike that we have acquired.
We made this purchase with a single collector, Ian Loram, who has amassed the unique collection since his first classic purchase in the late 90’s. A small selection of bikes will initially take pride of place in the reception area of our recently opened headquarters in Solihull, with fans likely to be able to see them in person later this year.
A SELECTION OF THE CLASSIC BIKES AT NORTON HEADQUARTERS
It is highly unusual for any major manufacturer to have the chance to purchase such a large, high quality, collection that represents the history of your brand, all in one go. When the opportunity arose through Ian, we jumped at the chance to buy the collection and bring 55 classic motorcycles home. Norton has a near 125-year history that is unrivalled in the motorcycle world – and one we want to celebrate now and in the future. While it’s a hugely exciting time for us looking ahead with the recent opening of a new factory, an exciting product road map and the £100 million investment from TVS, it’s vital that we continue to celebrate the great products of our past because they will impact and steer our future.
Ian Loram added: “I started collecting Norton Motorcycles in the late 90’s and would take every approach to not miss an opportunity to buy a rare Norton on sale. So many of the bikes hold a very special memory but it’s now a collection for the headquarters to enjoy. James “Pa” Norton always strived to innovate and having my facility tour during the handover of the collection, I was filled with a wonderful sense that Pa would be very proud of what is being done in his name.”
Seven rare Norton’s to get excited about:
- The newly purchased collection contains the 1921 Model 1. This was a favourite of our founder, “Pa” Norton, who rode a 633cc Big Four 3,000 miles across Africa in 1921.
- Just one of 53 built by Norton for speedway racing, we have the 1930 DT with a 500cc twin port and ¾ gallon fuel tank. This precise model was loaned to Oliver Langton for speedway racing.
- Amongst the collection is the road-going 1990 Norton F1 Rotary, based on the RCW588 racing motorcycle.
- Also acquired is the 1929 CJ350 designed by Walter Moore, which saw less than 200 models produced.
- Our historic design DNA is renowned for the featherbed frame, used on numerous Norton models for close to 20 years. This new collection features British racing motorcycles, such as the 1950 Norton Manx on a featherbed frame and style modification for racing.
- With only six remaining in the world, we are over the moon to own the extremely rare saddle tank racing styled 1929 JE350.
- We are overjoyed to have a fully restored 500cc 1938 Clubman International featured within our heritage collection, too.
1930 NORTON DT SPEEDWAY
