In 1927, Alec Bennett won the Senior TT on the first overhead cam Norton designed by Walter Moore. This is a “replica” model of that 500cc British machine. Walter Moore subsequently left Norton’s and went to the German NSU factory with his design. His engine was replaced by a new overhead cam design by Arthur Carrol, and this engine later evolved into the famous International and Manx Nortons. This Norton was imported to Canada when new, and used for flat track racing and hill climbing pre-war on Vancouver Island. When the original owner was shot down in the Battle of Britain, it was acquired by its second owner, in 1944, and used for a season for commuting to University. He placed it in a vault in the basement of an Insurance Company in downtown Vancouver in 1945, where it was discovered when the building was demolished in the late 70’s. 50 years after its entombment, this 100 mph single is on the road again!

Impressions from the Saddle
The Norton is a race-bred machine, and has a sound to match. The usual flooding and choking, and one brisk kick has a loud booming sound emanating from the fishtail exhaust. The oil valve must be turned on about 60% of the way. As this Norton has a very early form of dry sump oiling, and both the feed and scavenge pump is the same size. If the flow to the feed is not restricted somewhat, it will fill with oil after a while, and throw it all over everything! It took a while to figure this one out, but it is now oil tight, which is almost impossible with later “cammy” Nortons. It has a three speed hand change Sturmey Archer gearbox, which is the only reminder you are on this early a machine. Otherwise, it seems much newer. It is fast and light, with good brakes and handling. It is capable of over 90 mph.

Listen to the 1929 Norton.

Click and drag the QTVR image below to rotate the 1929 Norton.