The Norton Manufacturing Company was founded by 29-year-old James Lansdowne Norton of Birmingham, England in 1898, starting out as a manufacturer of bicycle parts and fully assembled bicycles that were built at the Bradford Street facility in Birmingham, West Midlands.
Norton embarked on their journey into motorcycle history in 1902, building their first production Norton motorcycles known as the "Engerette," which used a single-cylinder 143cc Clement engine made in Belgium, or a larger Moto Rêve V-twin engine made in Switzerland.
500cc 1923 Norton 16H Sport
Early Nortons were tested extensively for reliability, and with the success of the Peugeot-powered Norton V-twins at the Isle of Man TT, Norton adopted the moniker of "the unapproachable Norton" in 1907.
1926 Norton Racer
After two moves to Floodgate Street, and then to Sampson Road North, Norton was forced into liquidation in 1913, being purchased by Bob Shelley who founded the automotive accessories manufacturing company R.T. Shelley & Co. In 1916 Norton moved to Phillips Street in Aston.
The Norton Model 18
For the introduction of the 'Model 18' Norton began building their first 'overhead-valve' 490cc long-stroke engine in 1921.
1933 Norton Model 18
James 'Pa' Norton passed away in April of 1925, at the age of 56, but his company would go on to become one of England's most successful motorcycle companies. Under Shelley, Norton was reformed in 1926, becoming Norton Motors Ltd.
500cc 1933 Norton International
In 1927 Norton introduced the 'CS1' (CamShaft One) engine which was based on the ES2 pushrod layout, and designed by Walter Moore.
The Manx Norton
In 1949 the 'Manx' was introduced, featuring Norton's now-famous "Featherbed" chassis which was designed by the McCandless brothers, and used a revolutionary pivoting rear fork suspension assembly.
1954 Norton Manx 500
The Manx featured 350cc and 500cc motors that were based on their long-stroke OHC racing engines designed by Arthur Carrol.
350cc 1937 Norton International Racer
The Norton Dominator was also introduced in 1949, using an ES2 chassis with telescopic front forks, plunger-type rear suspension, and 500cc twin-cylinder engine designed by Bert Hopwood.
500cc 1950 Norton 7 Dominator
By 1953 Norton was once again facing financial problems, and was sold to AMC Associated Motorcycles who also owned the AJS and Matchless brands. The 'Short Stroke' Manx was introduced in 1953, which had bore and stroke of 86 mm x 85.6 mm.
1969 Norton Mercury 650
In 1962 the Birmingham factory was shut down and production was moved to AMC's Woolwich factory in London.
Norton Racing
1968 750cc Dunstall Drainpipe Racer
1975 Norton Cosworth Challenge 750cc Racer
750cc 1970 Norton Seeley Racer
1974 John Player Norton 850
Norton Commando
1968 Commando 750 Fastback
750cc 1972 Commando Special
850cc Commando MK3 'Ala Verda' Racer
Factory 2007 Commando 961 SS
Vintage Norton Motorcycle Links
The Birmingham Motorcycle Industry
National Motorcycle Museum in Coventry
Norton Dunstall Fibreglass Replica Parts
Blackbird Vintage Norton Racing Collection
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