Norton International Model 30 500cc OHC "Red Eleven" - ex LF Griffiths
Engine number: GI-30 Frame number: 53077
Year: 1936 Cylinder capacity: 490 cc
This iconic 1936 Norton Model 30 490 cc International comes with a genuine racing history, being raced by Bridgend born Les F. Griffiths at Pendine Sands, according to the historic photos coming with the motorcycle and some correspondence from the UK as well.
Leslie Frederick Griffiths bought a legendary Norton 'Inter' racing motorcycle in 1936, which has been tuned by an also successful motorcycle racer, Reg Dearden; the engine being yearly overhauled at the factory in Birmingham. Dearden perfected the Inter so well that Griffiths reached from 50 races 23 first, 20 second and 7 third places at the Welsh Grand Prix, Pendine Sands.
As most of Griffiths' racing machines wore start no. 11 (his house number at the Ewenny Street in Bridgend), he painted an eleven sign on a red base onto the rear mudguard of his 1936 Inter, becoming famous as the "Red Eleven".
This rear mudguard, made by aluminium is still present with the machine, believed to be made by LF Griffiths himself.
Racing specifications of this 1936 Model 30 Norton International consists of aluminium alloy cylinder and cylinder head, magnesium cambox, close ratio Norton Dollhead gearbox, Amal TT9 carburettor, BTH TT racing magneto, Webb competition girder forks, large and distinctive oil tank and of course the very attractive and large petrol tank, complete with the trademark Norton piecrust base.
Further racing equipments include Andre De Luxe steering damper and a Smiths rev counter.
The Norton is a quality older restoration, participated at the 4th International Klausenrennen Memorial in 2006 in Switzerland.
There is a book with the bike as well: "Pendine Races", written by Lynn Hughes, which tells also about the racing successes gained by LF Griffiths.
Prewar Norton Inters with period racing history are rarely offered, this specimen represents a special opportunity for racing motorcycle collectors.
