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- Aug 26, 2010
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To my knowledge, there have been few (or no ?) Model 7 build threads here, so its time to remedy that.
As we all know, the Model 7 was Nortons first parallel twin.
Designed by Bert Hopwood at Nortons in 1947 and 1948, he was specifically brought in to do the design.
Having worked with/for Edward turner on the triumph twin projects in the late 1930s and postwar.
And subsequently went to BSA for changes to their twins after his stint at Nortons.
The plan at Nortons was a produce a new modern and stylish twin cylinder addition to Nortons model range.
Competing with the established Triumph and also the BSA, Enfield and Matchless twins, to name just a few, was going to be a tough business.
The Model 7 twin was first built for the 1949 model year from late 1948.
While it looks similar in many respects to a twin cylinder version of an ES2, almost every part is different.
In particular the laydown gearbox, although the tank and mudguards are also completely different.
Indeed, ES2's subsequently adopted many Model 7 parts
My interest in these Norton twins began decades ago, when I bought a pretty rough 'restored' one from a school mate.
I was always intrigued about the blue front wheel that was fitted to it.
(the rim centre was mostly blue also, but most of that has flaked off)
When Roy Bacons "Norton twins Restoration Book came out, there was mention of some export polychromatic blue ones
( and some red ones - polychromatic red not being mentioned, just 'red' ?).
I wrote to Roy Bacon enquiring further details, but he replied thats all the info the factory ledgers contained.
And that he knew of no photos of such a blue Model 7.
(Poly Blue was an optional colour for Nortons through much of the 1950s, for ES2's, featherbed dommies, etc.
And in the 1960s the Manxman 650 also appeared in poly blue, although by then it was a much darker shade...).
Finding also a blue Model 7 oil tank, back wheel and engine plate, it was obvious that these were parts of the elusive poly blue export Model 7.
Seeing a bare frame for sale locally at a Dealers, I decided it was time to assemble such a blue Model 7, and see what they looked like.
The Model 7 frame that began this build thread, as purchased.
Appeared to be in good condition, although with some light surface rust only.
Now, to find all the other bits !
(Already had a spare engine and gearbox, and another project bike fairly complete, so I knew what I was looking for.).
As we all know, the Model 7 was Nortons first parallel twin.
Designed by Bert Hopwood at Nortons in 1947 and 1948, he was specifically brought in to do the design.
Having worked with/for Edward turner on the triumph twin projects in the late 1930s and postwar.
And subsequently went to BSA for changes to their twins after his stint at Nortons.
The plan at Nortons was a produce a new modern and stylish twin cylinder addition to Nortons model range.
Competing with the established Triumph and also the BSA, Enfield and Matchless twins, to name just a few, was going to be a tough business.
The Model 7 twin was first built for the 1949 model year from late 1948.
While it looks similar in many respects to a twin cylinder version of an ES2, almost every part is different.
In particular the laydown gearbox, although the tank and mudguards are also completely different.
Indeed, ES2's subsequently adopted many Model 7 parts
My interest in these Norton twins began decades ago, when I bought a pretty rough 'restored' one from a school mate.
I was always intrigued about the blue front wheel that was fitted to it.
(the rim centre was mostly blue also, but most of that has flaked off)
When Roy Bacons "Norton twins Restoration Book came out, there was mention of some export polychromatic blue ones
( and some red ones - polychromatic red not being mentioned, just 'red' ?).
I wrote to Roy Bacon enquiring further details, but he replied thats all the info the factory ledgers contained.
And that he knew of no photos of such a blue Model 7.
(Poly Blue was an optional colour for Nortons through much of the 1950s, for ES2's, featherbed dommies, etc.
And in the 1960s the Manxman 650 also appeared in poly blue, although by then it was a much darker shade...).
Finding also a blue Model 7 oil tank, back wheel and engine plate, it was obvious that these were parts of the elusive poly blue export Model 7.
Seeing a bare frame for sale locally at a Dealers, I decided it was time to assemble such a blue Model 7, and see what they looked like.
The Model 7 frame that began this build thread, as purchased.
Appeared to be in good condition, although with some light surface rust only.
Now, to find all the other bits !
(Already had a spare engine and gearbox, and another project bike fairly complete, so I knew what I was looking for.).
