Page 114 - Motorcycle Trader (February 2020)

Under the
hammer

c1907 NORTON 6hp V-TWIN

James Lansdowne Norton completed an 10 laps over primitive roads of a circuit
apprenticeship in the jewellery trade, starting at St Johns Primary School.
but contrarily set up a company in 1898 Many of the entries were equipped
to supply components to the bicycle with pedals, which were useful in the
industry. He built his first motorcycles in circuit’s steep sections. After covering
the early years of the 20th century using the event’s 158 miles (254km), Rem
proprietary engines such as Clément and Fowler won the twin-cylinder class on
Peugeot. the Norton.
At the first Isle of Man TT in 1907 This centenarian motorcycle has
Norton entered a Peugeot-powered spent at least half its life in Australia.
V-twin. It was similar in configuration to In 1967 it was purchased at a vintage another Norton enthusiast who decided
this auction lot, but had been modified and veteran rally in Wagga Wagga. In to restore it. The bike was disassembled,
and strengthened to withstand the the mid-1980s, ownership the frame repainted, the handlebars
rigours of the event. The race was transferred to and other fittings nickel-plated and that the front brake lever is that of a
the marque’s name handpainted on 1909 Abingdon. An engine number was
the tank. Since then it has appeared at present, but a frame number could not
many shows and concourses, including be found.
the opening by Sir Peter Cosgrove of the Sold at the Autumn Stafford Sale.
Emerald Anzac Commemoration walk in
2015. More recently, the vendor decided Sold
to ship the Norton to the UK for further
restoration and to be offered at auction.
The catalogue stressed the difficulty £43,700($83,564)
in establishing originality so many years BONHAMS
after it was built. For instance, it is noted

c1949 ARIEL RED HUNTER 500CC

Mention Ariel and the square-four engine, lot, then in 1954 to swingarm with
or ‘Squariel’, is most likely associated twin shocks. The model remained in
with the brand. However, the company production until 1959.
produced many different motorcycle The Ariel rider needed
models across its almost 70-year history. to be both artisan and
When Edward Turner took over as artist to coax the engine
Ariel’s chief designer in 1930, he inherited into life. With the
a large and diverse range of engine petrol tap turned
configurations. In 1932 he discontinued on, the kickstart
the previous models and introduced the was pushed until
Red Hunter – a single-cylinder OHV four- compression
stroke of 250, 350 or 500cc – as the basis was felt, then the Sold
of the range. advance/retard lever,
The new handsome model dripped with which was on the left $13,080
chrome, and the red detailing on the wheels handlebar, was pushed

contrasted with the gloss black of the to just short of maximum. The DONINGTON
mudguards and single-downtube frame. A valve-lift lever, just above the advance/
speedometer, oil pressure gauge and clock retard, was fully activated and a well-
were set into the top of the bright red fuel maintained Red Hunter would usually
tank. The original specification had girder start on the first or second kick. The spark
forks and a rigid rear with the obligatory could be retarded to allow the engine to
sprung saddle. When production restarted warm-up on idle, but the lever would need
after World War II, the Red Hunter was to be moved to full advance for riding.
fitted with telescopic forks. Rear suspension Sold at the Classic Automotive Auction
was changed firstly to plunger, as on this in Melbourne.

112 MOTORCYCLE TRADER