Norton, now revived under ownership of Indian giant TVS, and with a new factory in Solihull up and running, is underlining its long heritage by buying up key historic models.

A total of 55 bikes have been bought from Norton collector Ian Loram, who had built up the collection since the 1990s. Stretching from 1916 to 1992, they include some of the rarest Nortons ever made, including a Model 1 Big Four, a rare speedway bike from 1930 and an example of the rotary-engined Norton F1, road going version of the RCW588 race bike from the early ’90s. There’s also a 1968 Norton Atlas which was used for royal escort duties when new.

Some of the bikes will go on display in Norton’s Solihull HQ, echoing Triumph’s display of key models at Hinckley as part of it’s Visitor Factory Experience. Royal Enfield has also bought classic examples of its own marque to emphasis a long biking heritage.

Robert Hentshcel, CEO of Norton Motorcycles, said: “Norton has a near 125-year history that is unrivalled in the motorcycle world – and one we want to celebrate now and in the future. While it’s a hugely exciting time for us looking ahead with the recent opening of a new factory, an exciting product road map and the £100 million investment from TVS, it’s vital that we continue to celebrate the great products of our past because they will impact and steer our future.”

Words by Peter Henshaw

Top image courtesy of Norton