Norton is a legendary brand that every self-respecting motorcycle fan knows. However, it must be admitted: The legendary name is no longer, these days, as flamboyant as before. The world motorcycle speed championship, created in 1949, saw the expansion and consecration of the brand. For twenty years, British technology commanded respect at the highest levels, an extremely rare feat. As you will have understood, a complete retrospective is necessary.
To do this, we have to wind the second hand and go to the 1898th century: Yes, Norton is an old brand, that's nothing to say. It was in XNUMX that James Lansdowne Norton founded his company, based in Wolverhampton. After a few years spent manufacturing spare parts, he began creating lightweight motorcycle chassis.
The year is 1902, just a few decades after the invention of the heat engine. Thus, engine manufacturing was in its infancy. The French, experienced, are chosen by the firm. Norton buys engines from Peugeot and thus starts production.
Very quickly, competition becomes a priority. In 1907,
Harry Rembrandt Fowler wins the very first
Tourist trophy in history, twin-cylinder category, riding a five-horsepower Norton-Peugeot. A year later, the British decided to manufacture their own mills in view of the success.
After a jump in time, here we are in 1929. Norton accumulates successes on the Isle of Man, and gradually specializes in the construction of engines. Make no mistake, the executives remain efficient at the same time. An idea germinates in the minds of engineers, Joe Craig on your mind. This kind of idea that revolutionizes the world.
A model from 1937. Photo: Lars-Göran Lindgren Sweden
Plans for a single overhead camshaft machine are taking shape. The goal is simple: Win the Tourist trophy. Seven years later, a motorcycle that will change history appears at the start of the TT.
The mythical “ M " was born. Certainly, it will improve over the years, to become a single-cylinder machine equipped with a complex camshaft drive system. “Manx” translates to “Manx” in French, the gentile and the second official language of the island. This shows the attachment to competition and traditions. A strong name, for a crazy story.
The Second World War put work on hold. The Manx and its technology are carefully preserved, and are reborn a year after the signing of the armistice. At the start of the first world championship, Norton showed his fangs. The season, six events long, opens with the Tourist Trophy.
Artie Bell, riding a Norton during the first TT Assen in history. Photo: Daan Noske / ANEFO
What better place to let the Manx shine? The British Harold Daniell wins in the very first 500cc world race in history, riding a Norton. However, the celebration is short-lived.
It should be remembered that the firm is lining up machines that are already aging, unlike Gilera et
AJS, widely favorites.
Leslie Graham, riding an AJS “ Porcupine » or (porcupine in French) wins the championship. In 350cc, nothing dazzling either. On the other hand, Eric Olvier along with Denis Jenkinson triumph in a sidecar, supported by Norton. A consolation prize that should not be overlooked.
Oliver would go on to win four more titles thanks to British technology. Hostilities are launched, and the date is set for 1950. Join us tomorrow, same time, for the rest of this retrospective.
