Under the Hammer - 1960 Norton ES2

This will be a new feature added to the line up of existing ones that seem to have varying levels of interest. Quite simply, the auction house is where a lot of these old bikes end up when they're rolled out of some old barn, having been in storage for decades. I always thought it funny that they emerge from neglect and right into the open arms of the wealthy. Somehow completely bypassing the lower or middle class of motorcycle enthusiasts. Basically going from worthless scrap metal in the back of a forgotten barn, right to collector status. Seems weird to me that such things happen. It's like this instant over reaction, and pendulum swing to the opposite direction.

While looking for reference photos to a Norton that's completely unrelated, I came across this listing, and I recall seeing it when it was current. So I got to thinking, why not highlight some of these things. Bonhams does a great job with high resolution photography, and sometimes they do a decent job with accurate text descriptions as well. I always wonder what happens to these machines after they're trucked away from the bright lights of the auction. Do they simply fall into some collectors line up somewhere? Is somebody going to go over this thing mechanically and enjoy it for what it is? Does someone want to restore it?

It seems really ironic for everyone to make such a big stink when these things emerge from decades of forgotten storage, only to be swooped up by some wealthy collector and then immediately returned right back into some private unseen and unknown place.

Anyway, this is a really great Norton and represents the very last of the wideline featherbed frame, as the slimline featherbed frame was simultaneously being ushered in for all production models. The only wideline featherbed that went on being produced after this, was for the Manx, which itself ceased being produced 2 years later, and of course was of very different construction than the road going production machines. The ES2 motor was also well on its way out and had lived a long life. It was a 500cc single cylinder machine which always lived in the shadow of the Manx and even the road going International. Of course the ES2 was a pushrod motor and the latter two being over head cam motors, so no real comparison. Basically, it was the mule of the line up, and it served it's purpose quite well, and looked stunning all the while.

Note the bronze tach drive, which would have either been an option from the factory or fitted later. The speed holes drilled in the shift lever indicate that someone had thought of it as a real hot rod racer. Aftermarket "Goldstar" silencer was probably provided by Paul Dunstall. Interesting that the machine is fitted with both tachometer and speedometer.

Beautiful stance and proportions, gorgeous original upholstered seat, and cool painted tank that likely was done in the 1960's as a way to make the Norton look more like a young mans motorcycle. The original tank would have had chrome side panels, and looked more like a "gentleman's bike". Brake lever also has the speed holes drilled in it. 

Here's the original listing over at the Bonham's site. Be sure to enlarge the photos and then zoom in to see all the details: 1960 Norton ES2

I'd love to start hearing about and seeing what happens to bikes like this after they're snatched up at auction. It would be great if we could all enjoy in knowing what will become the future history of these machines. I can only hope that some modest guy has bought this and it's become his pride and joy, and that it gets ridden regularly. They were meant to be ridden and enjoyed. And if done so responsibly, they'll last a lifetime.