1956 Norton ES2, 500 cc. Registration number 489 UYW (non-tr...

Hammer

£4,500

1956 Norton ES2, 500 cc. Registration number 489 UYW (non-transferable), Frame number 4M-72273. Engine number 74493.
Introduced at the 1927 Motor Cycle Show, the ES2 sports roadster used the Model 18's overhead-valve engine in the cradle frame of the overhead-camshaft CS1, and from then onwards the 'ES2' designation was always applied to Norton's top-of-the-range, overhead-valve single. The ES2 was built in several versions during a production run lasting until 1963, though the engine dimensions of 79x100mm bore/stroke - first adopted by James Lansdowne Norton in 1911 - remained unchanged to the end.
It remained popular due to its reliability and ease of maintenance, as well as the traditional design. From 1947 the ES2 had an innovative hydraulically damped telescopic front fork and race developed rear plunger suspension.
Little is known of the history of this Norton, first registered on the 3rd October 1958, at some point its registration number was sold and it appears to be an older restoration that has patinated well. It should require little in the way of recommissioning before being taken out on the road.
Sold with the V5C.