Beschreibung:

Combining a 1939 ex-WD 16H frame, a 1937 ES2 trials-specification engine, and what is believed to be a Norton-made trials sidecar, this evocative Norton combination was campaigned by its builder and former owner Archie Appleby, accumulating an enviable competition record in the early post-war period. Until his retirement, Archie had for many years been workshop foreman at Alec Bennett Motorcycles in Southampton, while Tom was senior mechanic in the Service Department. It was in December 1975, having long ceased competing, that Archie - a founder member of the Southampton & District MCC - finally sold the Norton combination to a fellow club member, Bob Payton, who then undertook a thorough rebuild, the most important aspect of which involved replacing the post-war telescopic forks with period 'girders'. Previously registered 'EOF 859', the outfit was offered for sale at Bonhams' Oxford auction in June 2012 (Lot 148) where it was purchased by the immediately preceding owner. Since then the engine has been rebuilt, incorporating a new piston, bearings, valves, and a new-old-stock oil pump, while the fuel tank has been professionally restored, painted and sign-written. Bills and photographs of the engine rebuild are on file. The current vendor purchased '780 UXD' at Bonhams' Stafford Sale in April 2014 (Lot 184). Last run in October 2018, the machine is offered with a V5C document.