The ES2 was built in several versions during a production run lasting until 1963, though the engine dimensions of 79x100mm bore/stroke – first adopted by James Landsdowne Norton in 1911 – remained unchanged to the end. Post-war developments included the adoption of an alloy cylinder head (1955), alternator (1959) and the slim-line version of the Featherbed frame introduced on the single-cylinder range for 1961. Production of all of Norton’s traditional singles ended in 1963, though the ‘ES2’ designation was later applied to a re-badged Matchless.
This matching number example from 1957 was partially restored in 2015 which also included a top end engine rebuild with new pistons. With just 3 recorded owners and showing 1,932 miles the bike remains in generally good condition and fine running order. It is supplied with a small history file with bills showing the engine work and some of the restoration and the current UK V5C logbook.
