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• 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 #:
  35
• Lot Description:
  c1949 NORTON DOMINATOR MODEL 7
  Norton’s first parallel twin
• Notes:
  As Norton was renowned for producing race winning singles they were late to join the switch to parallel twins that Triumph initiated with their Speed Twin back in 1937. Bert Hopwood was engaged to design Norton's new twin, Hopwood coming to Norton in 1947 after working with Ariel and Triumph. The Norton twin was code named the Model 7, but also known as the Dominator, and was introduced for 1949. The Model 7 lasted until 1955, but the 500cc Dominator continued with a Featherbed frame as the 88 until 1963. The basic pattern of the Norton twin was similar to other British twins and included a 360-degree crankshaft . This provided an even exhaust note and allowed for a standard twin-cylinder magneto and single carburettor. The 66x72.6mm twin displaced 497cc. The cast-aluminium crankcases were split vertically and the crankshaft included a central cast-iron flywheel clamped between the two half cranks. The three-ring pistons provided a 6.7:1 compression ratio, with a one-piece cast-iron cylinder block with vertical cylinders. The iron cylinder head was also one-piece and as the combustion chamber featured a narrow valve angle this was serve Norton for the next thirty years. Carburetion was by a single Amal Type 276 with a 1-inch bore and separate float chamber. Unlike other British twins the Norton's single camshaft ran across the front of the engine, with the Lucas magneto behind the cylinder block. The four-speed gearbox was laid down, but the single row chain primary drive, multi-plate clutch and pressed steel primary chaincase were all like the single cylinder ES2. The basic chassis was also ES2. This included the steel cradle frame, plunger rear suspension and Roadholder telescopic fork. The Model 7 had the usual Norton wheels with offset hubs and 7-inch brakes but a 21-inch front wheel replaced the ES2's 19-inch. With individual low-level exhausts on each side the Model 7 was a striking looking machine. This 1949 Dominator was acquired in parts and was restored by the current owner. While the chassis and all equipment is for a 1949 Model 7 the engine is a 1954 Dominator 88. (J-1954; 122-88). The specification of the 1954 Model 88 was very similar to the 1949 Model 7 with only minor lubrication updates introduced for 1953. This engine was reconditioned and the gearbox bearings replaced. The wheels received new rims, tyres, tubes, spokes and bearings, while new items replaced all chains, cables and mufflers. Restored as a rideable motorcycle rather than concours, this Norton Dominator has covered zero miles since the restoration. It will require clutch and brake adjustment along with other minor fettling before operational. This Norton Dominator Model 7 is a rare and desirable example of the earliest Norton twin. 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.