THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES
In truth, had it not been for the giant-killing performances on the race tracks over many decades, Norton itself would have been a bit player in the market, with a tired range of models and little cash or enthusiasm to expand. Even when Norton withdrew their official racing support in 1955 (by which time they were part of the Associated Motorcycles group), the famous singles continued to win races in private hands, and formed the bulk of the grid, at least in the traditional 350cc and 500cc classes, for years after.
The marque’s glory days may have been behind them, but in the early ‘seventies Norton, now owned by Manganese Bronze Holdings Ltd under chairman Dennis Poore at least had a high profile sponsor to support the racing efforts
