They don’t come much rarer than this…A 1938 Norton International to Manx specification with ‘Big Plunger’ suspension.
All numbers are correct and tally up with the dispatch records: engine, frame, gearbox and front fork numbers are exactly as delivered on the 25th of August 1938. The Norton was delivered new to agent Dennis Parkinson (of racing fame) and no doubt there is a racing past to be researched for this particular bike. Dennis Parkinson raced a Norton in the 1938 Senior Manx Grand Prix but is noted as not finishing the race.
The Norton was previously sold at a Bonhams auction about 15 years ago and was subsequently in the hands of the late Dr. George Cohen who was a well known Norton camshaft enthusiast and specialist in the UK.
The ‘Big Plunger’ frame was a one-year only for 1938 and was the predecessor to the plunger frame introduced on racing bikes and to special order in 1939 and then across the range after WW2.
Any race history for this International to Manx Spec is yet to be investigated, but with the bike being delivered in full Manx trim, it is inevitable that it was raced in period.
Crankcase in magnesium. Magnesium cambox of the racing type with direct oil feed. Inner timing cover in magnesium. Even the gearbox shell is made from magnesium.
Light alloy cylinder and cylinder head with bronze skull insert.
Any part on the bike that could be drilled for lightness, has been drilled and consequently the bike feels more like a rigid framed Norton considering its lightness. Even the inside of the gearlever was drilled lightly to save a few grams. Without doubt done in period to help save weight and go faster.
Original Dunlop rubber seat fitted, Lucas rev counter fitted (also mentioned in the dispatch records), Original Amal TT long neck carburettor in bronze. The long neck Amal TTs were specific to Norton in the 1930s and 1940s. Original pressed timing and air levers only mounted on racing bikes, Original 8inch conical Manx front brake, Originial and very rare pre war alloy rim manufactured in Italy and branded ‘Rudge Whitworth, Milano’.
There are not many ‘Big Plungers’ around and I am yet to see another ‘Big Plunger’ Norton International to Manx spec in this unmolested and original condition. First paint and plate throughout, it is in truly stunning condition with the most perfect patina and I doubt it is to be repeated. If I am wrong, please share, I have a soft spot for Nortons.
The International was fully recommissioned one year ago after having sat in a collection for years with the odd start up every now and then. As part of the recommissioning, all rubber and cork seals in the cambox were renewed. Cammy Nortons are known to spray oil from the cambox, and this cures it as effectively as is possible.
New tyres fitted (naturally 20inch rear and 21inch front). The original Dunlop/Engelbert racing tyres that sat on the bike, are still next to the bike. Oil and petrol pipes renewed using herringbone rubber pipes.
The Norton International/Manx has been approved for road registration and can be delivered with current EU registration documents as part of the deal.
Please get in touch for more info, photos and a video of the bike running.
