Commando Frame Headstock data plates

Is there anyway to determine the original color of a Commando by the serial number on the data plate or serial number on the engine case?
Wondering if the factory database of serial numbers is archived anywhere.
Very curious to see what color my Norton was born in.
Just acquired a 7K mile June '74 Roadster, but theoriginal owner (I'm the 3rd now) striped the original paint of the tank and side covers down to the metal and painted it with (probably) rattle can orange.
I'd like to restore it to factory fresh (but with all the litle "updates" , "tweaks" and problem fixes).

JD

jeffdavison said:

Is there anyway to determine the original color of a Commando by the serial number on the data plate or serial number on the engine case?

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Let me put it this way: I asked Joe Seifert (aka ZFD on this forum and "Mr Norton Motors" IRL) for info on the four Nortons I had. He had all four in his books but only one entry actually mentioned the model and another one the colour (but not the model). You may be lucky but don't bet on it.

Wondering if the factory database of serial numbers is archived anywhere.

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Joe has quite a lot but not all and there is a big gap on the later 850ies - he didn't have info on another one I bought recently - the NOC has some and maybe others. I found the NOC rather semi-cooperative despite being a member back then but Joe was very helpful.


Tim