1962 Model 88; previously 1957 basket case value?

[Kiwi]

Frame numbers match etc, I have added some more photos.

[R]

Everything is available for Nortons, new or used.
Cylinders may require sleeving if they are too far worn though.
Is there more than 1 bike here, seems to have 2 tanks and things. ?

Numbers seem to indicate  a 1962 Model 88, 500cc, a slimline - although pics don't show much frame detail.
Don't show the cylinderhead detail either, if this is an 88SS then a rolling chassis already = $2000 is looking rediculously low...

[R]

R,
Extract from article! If they are wrong, put them right, otherwise incorrect information, just keeps circulating round

Very few options to correct errors in published articles.
Since errors are almost inevitable unless proofread properly.

Norton buyers must have been loyal buyers at those prices. And weights !
Model 7 (plunger frame version) was 440 lbs+ fully fuelled and oiled.

[Kiwi]

Yes there are two oil tanks, a spare front hub but it is in a bad way and there are some for components and the tree assy in bits.

[Kiwi]

whoops forgot these photos

[Kiwi]

R, your quote from Johny Boy has gone over my head I'm afraid can you elaborate?

[Kiwi]

Best Cylinder head and barrel shot I have

[Kiwi]

R, I think I get your meaning now thanks.

I see Model 88s on the net but there seem to be some subtle differences on them all, I wonder if the tank is true to model? I note the smaller Norton name plates for this tank are quite different to models in articles albeit that I haven't been able to find an exact 1961 model picture to compare yet.

As always something is only worth what someone is prepared to pay in this kind of thing and the money is not my main aim, I wanted to be sure I wasn't just going to swap locations of a basket case from their shed to my shed.

I would be most appreciative if I could find a picture of the exact model so I can restore to "factory condition" including paint and all.

Cheers

Kiwi

[Kiwi]

It seems to me the tank is the issue, it looks to either be off a 61 ES2 or a model 99? and the seat is not right either I think.

[Kiwi]

I found one for sale, a used runner at auction, In Melbourne of all places, black and white and looks the same, a 61 slimline, not as nice a looking bike as some but it seems I have found an original.

Thanks so much for all the feed back I have had, I plan to go for it and make it factory like.

Cheers all

Kiwi

[johnnyboy-wonder57]

Kiwi,
I think what R was saying was there was more frames than the Garden Gate & dual front-tubed McCandless designed Featherbed, it could be my fault, I could have misread the article, often motorcycle stuff is not written that clearly.

However, personally, I  am never sure about stated,(published,) originality of machines at certain periods of time in firms, manufacturing history, especially when models where in a transitional period & especially when bikes where exported models, as they often differed from "cooking" more bland, less "blingy" Home market stuff. 

However, you have the history of the machine, but especially, after the War factories were notorious for using up parts on certain batches, post -war Government restrictions often dictated slight changes & of course owners often changed & upgraded machines with, better options, sometimes later parts from the factory or specialist after-market stuff.  The main thing non-originality hurts is value on resale & also as a talking point at meets from knowledgeable experts!

Norton Owners Club is this best place & I suspect R is a member.

Photographs are brilliant, looks like a good purchase, for me sometimes originality can be a bettered, but it depends on what you want and if you want it 100% original, go for it.  \the main thing is to have FUN!

Cheers

JBW

[Kiwi]

Thanks Johny-boy I can see where you are coming from completely and I am getting a little hooked on the allure of it all, I think I have found a good project though and I will stay true to factory on this one. I have just heard of a bloke who wants to sell 9 bikes of various makes, don't know what yet but I may have to chain myself down before I need a bigger shed! and we all need a bigger shed already!

I am hoping R has more to say he has been very helpful as have you all.

Cheers

kiwi

[Kiwi]

This is the model I plan to use as my example to follow, any thoughts?

[johnnyboy-wonder57]

Kiwi,
Drab greys and greens were often used, because there was a dearth of this colour after the War, so the factories saved money buying the paint  at cheap rates.  Remember, it was export or die, only a few, (limited by Government), big machines were allowed for the Home market.

If the War had continued that paint,  would have been on tanks, armoured carriers & Battle ships!

Before you definitely make your mind up, look @ some of the colours used on Export only machines over the years.  Foreign Agents,  used bright colours to tempt the punters in, after 6/7 years of war, the last thing most riders wanted was a Khaki or green machine!

By the way have you got Gandi, with you in the garage? I wondered where he had got to!  Joking aside, good photos'.

Cheers

JBW

[Kiwi]

Yep Gandhi is were I get my inner parts, when I told him I was after a Norton he said I should "get one with everything"!!