Norton built 851 500T models between 1949 and 1954, of which 74 were exported to the United States. The machines were fitted with an Amal 276 carburettor and a Smiths chronometric speedometer.
This 1951 500T left the Norton factory 2nd June, 1951, and was one of 74 that were exported to the US from a total production run of only 851 between 1949 and 1954. The first California owner used it in only one competition event but retained ownership until 1981. The second owner had the engine and gearbox rebuilt with many new parts and carried out other restoration work. It seems that he enjoyed considerable use of it before selling it in 1990 to a third California owner, who carried out another extensive restoration and mechanical rebuild, the details of which he supplied with the bike. The fuel and oil tanks were sent to Lewis and Templeton in the UK for restoration and its front forks, Amal 276 carburettor, Smiths chronometric speedometer and tool box are all original.
It was then entered in classic motorcycle shows in California where it won trophies including "Best Norton" at a 1991 All-British Clubman show, "Best Trials" and "Best Pre-'63 Off-Road Heavyweight" trophies at the Golden West Classic Motorcycle Show in San Jose and "Pre-1970 Motocross" at the 1997 "Thunder By The Bay" event in San Mateo. It has also featured in several publications including the Norton Owners Club 1992 calendar, the December 1992 issue of Motorcycle Collector and the July 1996 issue of Classic Motorcycle.
When purchased for the NZ Classic Motorcycle collection in January, 2011, via a US auction house, it had covered only 25 miles since its rebuild and restoration. It was acquired by Transport World for their Classic Motorcycle Mecca collection in May 2016.
Information courtesy New Zealand Classic Motorcycles
Specifications - 1952 Catalogue
ENGINE. 490 c.c. (79 x 100) O.H.V. with light alloy cylinder head and barrel. Compression ratio 6: 1. Totally enclosed and automatically lubricated valve mechanism. dry sump lubrication. B.T.H. magneto, Amal carburettor, KLG. waterproof sparking plug.
TRANSMISSION. Wide ratio, four speed, positive stop foot operated gearbox giving ratios of 5.5, 8.1, 13.1 and 18.1 with 20 tooth engine sprocket and 16 tooth gearbox axle sprocket. Multi plate, Ferodo lined clutch with vane type shock absorbers. Primary chain housed in hermetically sealed oil bath chaincase. Folding kickstarter.
FRAME. Light triangulated construction, with crankcase shield. Side prop and rear stands, narrow light alloy mudguards and small type Dunlop saddle. Roadholder telescopic forks giving 100° total lock.
WHEELS. Front, 2.75 x 21 (WM. 1-21), rear, 4.00 x 19 (WM. 3-19) high tensile rims. 7" diameter brakes with light alloy plates and finger adjustment.
TANKS. Petrol 2½ gallons capacity. Three point rubber mounting with single bolt fixing, finished in dull chrome plating, suitably lined. Separate narrow type oil tank of 3½ pints capacity.
