1936 Norton CJ 348cc 1 cyl OHC 3511

1936 Norton CJ 348cc OHC frame # 65270 engine # 5506

The Norton OHC story starts as far back as 1927, when Walter Moore (formerly the Douglas chief designer) creates the first Norton overhead camshaft engine with bore and stroke dimensions of 79×100 mm, giving 490 cc capacity. Straight from the drawing board it provides Alec Bennett with a TT victory in 1927. Known as the CS 1 (Camshaft Senior one) it’s listed as a production machine for the 1928 season. The smaller 348 cc version ( 71×85 mm) is christened CJ (Camshaft Junior). By 1930 Moore has left to work for NSU in Germany and for the TT that year Arthur Carroll, his successor at Bracebridge Street, redesigns the camshaft engine and from 1932 on racing versions of the CS 1 and CJ are brought out as Model 30 and 40 ‘International”. The CS 1 and CJ stay in production till 1940, The International is produced up to 1957. The machine we present here is despatched on July, 21 1936 to General Agent Lucien Psalty in Paris. His dealer plate still adorns the rear mudguard. This CJ is fully documented in the works records and has matching numbers for frame and engine. The original specifications include a larger 3 1/2 -gallon petrol tank, full-width oil tank, Dunlop Drilastic saddle and 20-inch front wheel. No lighting system is fitted, the headlamp is a later addition and is ornamental.
A number of years ago the machine was acquired by a Dutch Norton expert and underwent a full mechanical restoration around 2012-2013. The patina that gives the machine character was carefully preserved. The engine was fully rebuilt, with all bearings, valves, guides, piston and cams replaced. The gearbox and clutch were refurbished with new parts where required. The front forks were straightened and got new spindles. Wheels, brakes, carb and magneto were also reconditioned. She comes with 85 mph Smiths speedo, current Dutch registration and a copy of the works records provided by the VMCC.

The restorer and former owner added this little review:

“It may not be the most spectacular cammy Norton but unlike most ‘Inters’ this one is still quite original. The numbers of frame, forks and engine are matching. The petrol and the oil tanks are correct; it left the factory without lights fitted. The 20″ front wheel and Dunlop saddle are correct. The gearbox shell and footrests are from a later 16H model and the Amal carb is postwar. The records do not provide details about the magneto and I’ve fitted a BTH KD1 to replace the magdyno it came with. And it’s fun to ride! It does not have the ‘punch’ of a CS1 but will still do 60 mph easily and it’s very comfortable. It revs easily and feels and sounds a bit like a big Honda C50 and that should be considered a compliment!”

video: https://youtu.be/8OwnysDdvGM