1954 Norvin

History & Description

Frame Number: J1467199

Engine Number 1B/6842

Below is a description of the Norvin when it was sold by Bonhams in 2010.

“Developed from a design by Rex McCandless and first used by on the works single-cylinder racers in 1950, when Geoff Duke rode it to a debut race victory at Blandford, the legendary ‘Featherbed’ frame has long been the special-builders’ favourite. McCandless’s design was way ahead of its time, and of the opposition, enabling Norton to maintain the competitiveness of their singles in the face of the growing challenge from foreign multis. New standards of steering, roadholding and comfort were set by the new frame, which was immediately dubbed “Featherbed’ by Norton works star Harold Daniell. Although designed with a single-cylinder engine in mind, the generously proportioned Featherbed would in time prove capable of accommodating a wide variety of different power units – twin triples, fours and v-twins all could be made to fit with a little ingenuity.

There have been several constructed with the Vincent v-twin engine, such as that offered here, which consists of a wideline Featherbed frame dating from circa 1954 and a motor made around 1951. The fuel tank is signed with the initials ‘B/M’ which we are advised stands for Graham Bonny and Clive McDougal, who raced the machine up to 1978.

In 1996, the Norvin was acquired by the current vendor in Germany, and fully restored over the course of the next three years. Its specification includes an engine bored to 1,200 c and overhauled by Bob Dunn, cams made by Kric Kruse in Germany, Amal Concentric carburettors Norton/AMC gearbox, Bob Newby belt primary drive complete with outrigger bearing, Lucas 12 volt alternator, large capacity alloy fuel tank, alloy wheel rims, double-sided front brake, steering damper and matching Smith instruments. Described as reliable and running perfectly, the machine is offered with sundry restoration invoices and German registration papers. “

The Norvin was most recently purchased in 2019 and exported to the U.S. to its current owner. The bike has since been on display in the owner’s home. The owner passed away in 2023, and the Norvin is now being liquidated along with the other motorcyles and race cars in his collection. Those vehicles can also be seen on our website.

Please contact us if you are interested or would like to make an offer. The Norvin is currently located in Southern California.

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