The photo looks like it was taken in the sixties and I would say that the bike is an early post war Model 18, probably 1946/ 7 as it still has girder forks. Pre and post war Model 18s are distinguished by the cradle frame of the post war machines. The bike is well cared for, possibly even restored and the owner looks pleased with it: he should be as well - it is a class machine.
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| 1946 Norton Model 18. |
1950s I'd say, those Guinness label type tax discs were phased out around 1960.
ReplyDeleteGood spot! Definitely 1959 or later though as I think that's a Ford Pop 100e in the background.
DeleteLMK a London reg from 1942-1957. Norton dumped girders by 1946; My first thought was this was a refurbished WD model, but not this OHV bike. Seems to be some extra chrome on that chaincase. Those 100e Ford began in 1953, I'm still supposing before 1960 because of the riders kit, very 1950s.
DeleteOK, I thought that shape of Ford began in '59 but, yes it seems my lack of knowledge of fifties saloons is evident and they were indeed built from '53! I've seen a few cradle frame girder Model 18s around from '46 though. I think not many stayed on the home market but a good number were exported.
DeleteBack in the 1940s everything that could be was earmarked for export; we got screwed by the USA[whats new?] and everything we imported had to be paid for in dollars, and the war loans.
DeleteWe've never really recovered from all that in my biased opinion.[I was there]