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Norton CS1, 1928. The Blue PrintRidden to its limit, no other…
Sale Title:
Auction House:
Auction Location:
Auckland
Date:
18-Mar-2009
Lot No.
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Description:
Norton CS1, 1928. The Blue PrintRidden to its limit, no other production bike could come close. The CS1 (Cam Shaft One) was Norton's first overhead cam engine. It replaced the influential overhead valve model 18 at the top of its range and thus became the basis for all Norton's racing efforts. It was designed by Walter Moore who had been brought into Norton to take over from the ailing James Norton. Moore knew that the way to secure more power was through higher RPMs and that overhead cams were the answer. Blueprinted in 1926, the engine was first used at the Isle of Man Tt circuit in 1927. In fact, the engine had never been tested before, let alone raced. However, Moore's faith in his design saw him rushing two fresh CS1 motors to the island and hiring a tugboat to get himself there overnight through treacherous winter waters. Once landed, Moore then faced the challenge of convincing the team mechanic and pilot (Alec Bennett) to fit and race the new power plant. By the end of the next day, the CS1 and Alec Bennet had rewritten the history books, winning the Senior Tt by over eight minutes: a remarkable result by anyone's standards. The CS1 is also famous for being the victim of corporate politics. By 1928 the motorcycle had been commissioned for production and the machine on offer here is a result of that fine decision. However, Moore wanted a seat on the board of Norton but was blocked by a faction who did not want to see the 'workshop' at the table. Soon after this Moore 'defected' to Germany where he worked for Nsu. Adding insult to injury, Moore could prove that his CS1 design was produced outside of his working hours with Norton which allowed him to take his design to Nsu who proceeded to produce their own version of the CS1 in 1929. Upon Nsu realising their version, Norton's infamous low-slung CS1 was called out of production after only one season. This rare landmark Norton is one of the most sought-after of all racing machines.
Estimate:
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Price:
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Category:
Motor Vehicles: Motor Cycles