c1935 Norton International Model 40 350cc Race Motorcycle

Description

From its inception in 1932, the flagship Norton motorcycle was known as the 'International'. Used extensively by both factory and club racers, the International was available in overhead cam 350cc and 500cc form (some 600cc sidecar versions were also made) and was highly successful in competition. In initial form girder forks were employed on the front end with solid rear axles, though by 1933 the forks had been re-designed along with the gearbox. Detachable wheels and hairpin-type valve springs were also employed, to reduce change times in racing conditions. Despite a break for World War 2 the International re-appeared in the Fifties, and production continued with several further refinements until 1958.