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Lot #34 - c1948 NORTON ES2

  • Auction House:
    Donington Auctions
  • Sale Name:
    A Regional Victorian Collector's Garage - Featuring Classic Cars, Motorcycles & Unreserved Garagenalia
  • Sale Date:
    26 Mar 2023 ~ 11.29am (AEDT)
  • Lot #:
    34
  • Lot Description:
    c1948 NORTON ES2
    Legendary sporting Norton 500cc overhead valve single
  • Notes:
    Norton’s reputation was built on the success of their racing overhead camshaft singles but alongside these was a range of solid roadside and overhead valve models. The Overhead valve singles had a pedigree that stretched back to the Model 18 of 1922. From 1932 the 500cc overhead valve line-up encompassed five models, headed by the sporting ES2. There was some controversy as to what “ES2” originally stood for but it seemed to signify “Enclosed Springs” for the Number 2 model in the Model 18 line. The ES2 was resurrected in 1947 and continued until 1963, by which time it had gained a Slimline Featherbed frame. Over this long production period these over-engineered long-stroke Norton singles gained an enviable reputation for robustness and reliability. The 79x100mm OHV single continued basically unchanged for many years and received a slight update for 1948. In an effort to quieten the engine and produce slightly more power designer Bert Hopwood reduced the diameter and width of the flywheels and fitted a longer skirt piston. The timing case was now smaller, and new tappets replaced the earlier flat cam followers. As before, the big-end was a roller bearing clamped between two substantial flywheels, with the crank assembly running in a pair of roller bearings carries in a pair of vertically split aluminium crankcases. While the lower end of the engine was shared with the side-valve models a pair of chromed pushrod tubes feeding into a one-piece rocker box distinguished the overhead valve models. The primary drive was by a single row chain to a four-speed gearbox. The compression ratio was a moderate 6.45:1 and with magneto ignition and an Amal Type 276 carburettor the power was around 21 horsepower. On the ES2 this robust engine was placed in a Model 18 frame with a new Roadholder front fork and plunger rear suspension. The plunger was similar to that used by the Manx and International racers and had no damping other than that provided by the friction inherent in the system. The plunger also added 2.3 kg and the dry weight of the ES2 was 172kg. But for a pair of 19-inch wheels the rest of the chassis was remarkably similar to the ES2 of the 1930s; sharing the comfortable riding position, large well sprung seat and excellent 7-inch single-sided brakes. This 1948 Norton ES2 is representative of the first post-war version and examples in this condition are now rare. Purchased in pieces it has received a ground up restoration. The engine was rebored with a new piston and rings, and all bearings were replaced. The gearbox was also overhauled with new bearings while restoration of the wheels included new rims, spokes, tyres, tubes and wheel bearings. Along with new cables the primary and drive chains were replaced as was the muffler. This 1948 Norton ES2 has not run since the restoration so will require fettling and adjusting. It isn’t offered in concours condition but as a good rideable classic motorcycle. This motorcycle will be sold unregistered.
  • Estimate:
    A$0 - 0
  • Realised Price:
    *****

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  • Category:
    Automobiles & Accessories

This Sale has been held and this item is no longer available. Details are provided for information purposes only.



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