BODYWORK. Frame: tubular steel, single cradle. Front suspension: parallelogram fork. Rear suspension: rigid. Chassis no.: 4057.

MECHANICS. Engine: single-cylinder, four-stroke. Displacement: 490 cc (79 x 100 mm). Transmission: chain drive. Gearbox: 3-speed. Engine no.: 38005.

DOCUMENTS: No documentation.

HISTORY: In 1922, James Lansdowne Norton designed the brand’s first overhead-valve engine, which entered production the following year in the Model 18, equipped with a 3-speed Sturmey-Archer gearbox. This motorcycle quickly earned an outstanding reputation for its excellent performance and high mechanical reliability, setting multiple speed and endurance records, including a new 12-hour benchmark.

Rider Alec Bennett won the 1924 Senior TT on the Model 18. In the following edition, Barcelona-born Ignacio Macaya became the first Spanish rider ever to finish and qualify in this demanding race (15th place in the Senior TT) —riding precisely the same machine offered in today’s auction. In 1926, he improved his result, finishing 11th overall.

This Model 18 has been preserved for many years in a Catalan collection and has been regularly used in various vintage motorcycle events. It is truly an exceptional piece thanks to its documented history, racing pedigree, and remarkable state of preservation.