The Vintage Motorcycles
Specialists in antique, classic, veteran and vintage motorcycles.
Specialists in antique, classic, veteran and vintage motorcycles.
Norton is one of the most legendary names in the history of British motorcycles. Founded in 1898 in Birmingham, England, the company quickly developed a reputation for producing high-performance motorcycles and racing machines.
Throughout the twentieth century Norton became one of the most successful manufacturers in motorcycle racing, particularly at the famous Isle of Man TT races. Many Norton motorcycles were designed with racing performance in mind and helped establish the brand as a symbol of British engineering excellence.
Today vintage Norton motorcycles are highly prized by collectors and enthusiasts. Models such as the Manx, International, Dominator, and Commando are considered among the most iconic motorcycles ever produced.
| Model | Production Years | Engine Type | Capacity | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norton Model 18 | 1922-1954 | Single-cylinder OHV | 500cc | Road / Racing |
| Norton International | 1931-1957 | Single-cylinder OHC | 350cc - 500cc | Sport / Racing |
| Norton Manx | 1937-1963 | Single-cylinder DOHC | 350cc - 500cc | Grand Prix Racing |
| Norton Dominator | 1949-1966 | Parallel twin | 500cc - 650cc | Sport / Touring |
| Norton Atlas | 1962-1968 | Parallel twin | 750cc | Performance |
| Norton Commando | 1967-1977 | Parallel twin | 750cc - 850cc | Sport / Touring |
Norton began as a manufacturer of bicycle parts before producing complete bicycles and eventually motorcycles. The company's first motorcycles appeared in the early twentieth century and quickly gained attention for their engineering quality.
By the 1920s Norton had already begun competing in motorcycle racing events, establishing a reputation for high performance and reliability.
Production Years: 1922-1954
Engine: single-cylinder overhead valve
Displacement: 500cc
The Model 18 was one of the most successful motorcycles produced by Norton during the interwar period. It was widely used for both road riding and competition.
The motorcycle's robust engine and durable construction made it a popular choice among riders who required reliable performance.
Production Years: 1931-1957
Engine: overhead camshaft single-cylinder
Displacement: 350cc - 500cc
The Norton International was one of the most advanced motorcycles of its time. Featuring an overhead camshaft engine, the model delivered impressive performance and became a favorite among racing enthusiasts.
Many private racers used the International in competition during the 1930s and 1940s.
Production Years: 1937-1963
Engine: double overhead camshaft single-cylinder
Displacement: 350cc - 500cc
The Norton Manx is widely regarded as one of the greatest racing motorcycles ever built. Designed specifically for Grand Prix racing and the Isle of Man TT, the Manx featured advanced engineering and exceptional performance.
These motorcycles dominated racing circuits throughout the 1940s and 1950s, and many legendary riders achieved success using Norton Manx machines.
Production Years: 1949-1966
Engine: parallel twin
Displacement: 500cc - 650cc
The Dominator introduced Norton's parallel twin engine design and became one of the company's most successful road motorcycles.
It offered strong performance combined with comfortable touring capability, making it popular among everyday riders.
Production Years: 1962-1968
Engine: parallel twin
Displacement: 750cc
The Atlas was developed as a more powerful successor to the Dominator series. It was particularly popular in the American market, where riders appreciated its strong performance and classic British styling.
Production Years: 1967-1977
Engine: parallel twin
Displacement: 750cc - 850cc
The Norton Commando became one of the most famous British motorcycles of the late twentieth century. It featured an innovative "Isolastic" frame system designed to reduce engine vibration and improve rider comfort.
The Commando won several awards and was named "Motorcycle of the Year" multiple times during the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Norton motorcycles achieved legendary status in motorcycle racing. The company dominated the Isle of Man TT for decades and produced some of the most successful racing machines ever built.
Many famous riders achieved victory aboard Norton motorcycles, further strengthening the brand's reputation for performance and engineering excellence.
Norton motorcycles remain one of the most respected names in classic motorcycling. The company's racing achievements and innovative engineering helped shape the development of modern motorcycles.
Today vintage Norton motorcycles are highly collectible and remain extremely popular among enthusiasts around the world.
Norton is a historic British motorcycle manufacturer and is featured in our guides to British vintage motorcycle brands as well as our complete overview of vintage motorcycle manufacturers by country, covering major global motorcycle industries from 1900 to 1980.
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