Description
Norton 1934 “Model 40 International“ 490 cc OHC single frame # 54314 engine # 59291
The Norton Inter story started as far back as 1927, when Walter Moore (formerly the Douglas chief designer) created the first Norton overhead camshaft engine with bore and stroke dimensions of 79×100 mm, giving 490 cc capacity.
Straight from the drawing board it provided Alec Bennett with a TT victory in 1927.
Known as the CS 1 (Camshaft Senior one) it was listed as a production machine for the 1928 season.
The smaller 348 cc version ( 71×85 mm) was known as the CJ (Camshaft Junior).
By 1930 Moore had left to work for NSU in Germany and for the TT that year Arthur Carroll , his successor at Bracebridge Street, redesigned the camshaft engine.
With this design Norton started its incredible run of success in road racing. For the 1932 season a sort of road going race replica was listed as the “ International” and was equipped with TT Amal carburettor , racing magneto and close ratio four speed gearbox.
Later in the thirties the Inter got hairpin valve springs and after the war “Roadholder” telescopics and plunger rear suspension were added.
According to the numbers, the frame of this post vintage Norton left the factory as a 1934 ES 2 component, the engine as a 1934 CS1.
The motorcycle was built up as an International.
This super sports machine has been restored to a splendid standard and is a good runner.