Norton’s Post-WW2 trials campaign got off to a false start in 1947, the combination of the iron-barrelled, overhead-valve Model 18 engine in a Roadholder-forked WD 16H frame resulting in a machine too long, too heavy and endowed with insufficient ground clearance to be competitive. A season of extensive modification and experimentation resulted in the appearance late in 1948 of an entirely different machine - the legendary 500T. Shortened rear frame stays and a modified lower fork yoke reduced the wheelbase to a more-manageable 53”, while an alloy cylinder head and barrel helped reduce weight to around 300lbs. Numerous works and privateer competition successes soon confirmed that Norton had produced a machine as good as, if not better than, any other rigid-framed trials iron. Sadly, there would be no spring-frame development to carry on the line, and the 500T disappeared from the Norton line-up in 1954. Incorporating a substantial quantity of genuine 500T parts, this machine was bought as a ‘basket case’ and completely restored in 1988. It features an ‘all-alloy’ engine equipped with Lucas competition magneto, which is fitted in a period modified 16H frame. Benefiting from a recent oil change, the machine has covered fewer than 200 miles since completion and is offered with 16-tooth (trials) gearbox sprocket, VMCC dating certificate and Swansea V5.
Norton’s Post-WW2 trials campaign got off to a false start in 1947, the combination of the iron-barrelled, overhead-valve Model 18 engine in a Roadholder-forked WD 16H frame resulting in a machine too long, too heavy and endowed with insufficient ground clearance to be competitive. A season of extensive modification and experimentation resulted in the appearance late in 1948 of an entirely different machine - the legendary 500T. Shortened rear frame stays and a modified lower fork yoke reduced the wheelbase to a more-manageable 53”, while an alloy cylinder head and barrel helped reduce weight to around 300lbs. Numerous works and privateer competition successes soon confirmed that Norton had produced a machine as good as, if not better than, any other rigid-framed trials iron. Sadly, there would be no spring-frame development to carry on the line, and the 500T disappeared from the Norton line-up in 1954. Incorporating a substantial quantity of genuine 500T parts, this machine was bought as a ‘basket case’ and completely restored in 1988. It features an ‘all-alloy’ engine equipped with Lucas competition magneto, which is fitted in a period modified 16H frame. Benefiting from a recent oil change, the machine has covered fewer than 200 miles since completion and is offered with 16-tooth (trials) gearbox sprocket, VMCC dating certificate and Swansea V5.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
