- Amazing original condition

- Protective lacquer to preserve its condition

- Sturdy model used by the British Army

- No reserve

The 16 H is among the models produced in the greatest numbers in Norton’s history. Introduced at the start of the 1920s and powered by a single-cylinder 490cc side-valve engine, it was adopted by the British Army for use in both the colonies (the ‘Colonial’ model) and at home (the ‘Home’ model, hence the letter ‘H’ in its name). After the war, many examples continued in use and Norton went on producing a civilian version until 1955. Altogether, more than 100,000 were built.

This Norton 16 H was found in Holland, where it had been used by the fire service, perhaps after it had been allocated to the Dutch Army, one of the model’s fans. Rather than restore it, our client has chosen to keep the bike strictly original, in order, as he explained, “to perpetuate its history”. To preserve its condition unchanged, he has applied a protective lacquer, with the result that the scars of its past can still be seen. The bike is complete and superbly illustrates the phrase “unrestored original condition”. It is a wonderful tribute to a tough and reliable model whose vocation was to carry out its mission without failing or faltering.

Photos © Alexis Ruben