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| Lot number | 210 |
|---|---|
| Hammer value | £3,400 |
| Description | Norton Dominator 88C Deluxe |
| Registration | XWV 969A |
| Year | 1963 |
| Engine size | 500 cc |
| Chassis No. | 96034 122 |
| Engine No. | 96034 122 |
Designed by Norton's Bert Hopwood, the 500cc twin Dominator that first appeared in the conventional single-down-tube Norton frame was fitted into the race-proven featherbed frame for the 1952 season (export only) and later for the UK market
Out went the Dominator Model 7 name and in came the newly titled Dominator 88, the frame number changing from 12 to 122 to signify the change. The 88 was the first production Norton to be fitted into the race proven chassis.
Updated year by year both in style and engine capacity, the engine was given a light alloy cylinder head, increased compression, revised gearbox and, for 1960, a slimmer frame that was entitled the ‘slimline featherbed’. A road test by the Motor cycle magazine in 1957 showed the 88 to be capable of 92mph and to have impeccable handling and roadholding.
The 88C was introduced in the Sixties, following the trend popularised by Triumph and others of enclosed bodywork that gave scooter or car-like lines to the motorcycle. This was part of an industry effort to clean up the image of biking and attract more customers. In fact, many of these models were subsequently stripped of their tin ware by hairy bikers when the café-racer culture came along…
On offer here from a deceased estate, this 1963 Dominator 88C Deluxe is a matching numbers machine that the late-owner purchased in 2007. MOTs stop at 2008 when a wiring fire caused it to be taken off the road, although damage appears minimal, confined mainly to the wiring and r/hand side panel. Restoration has been started and paintwork attended to, but the work has not been completed.
This machine is offered with V5C, older V5, expired MOTs, Sorn documents, purchase invoice and sundry bills. Some unfitted components are also present, including a new fully enclosed chaincase.
This represents a chance to acquire an easy to complete project, at a modest guide price, with most of the work already having been done and little more expenditure required.
