One of the most charismatic model names in motorcycling history, 'International' was first used by Norton for its top-of-the-range sports roadster in 1932. The Inter's Arthur Carroll-designed overhead-camshaft engine had been developed in the works racers for the preceding two years, and although it retained the classic 79x100mm bore/stroke dimensions and shaft-and-bevels cam drive of the existing CS1, was entirely new. Based on the works bikes and intended for racing, the International could nevertheless be ordered with refinements such as lights and a kickstart-equipped gearbox. By the time production halted in 1939 it was being built with a four-speed foot-change 'box and plunger rear suspension, reappearing after the war in similar guise save for the adoption of the hydraulically-damped Roadholder front fork, which replaced the pre-war girder. The Inter remained fundamentally unchanged from then until 1953 when it gained the Featherbed frame, all-alloy engine and 'laid down' gearbox.

This racing International was purchased by the current owner at Bonhams' Stafford Sale in October 2005 (Lot 275). No history accompanied the machine when purchased, but it is now known that the original owner was a Mr W Scott of Falkirk. Over the intervening years it had acquired a wrap around oil tank (slightly dented), an alloy barrel and a big fin cylinder head. The bike was given to Norton guru, Dr George Cohen for restoration, the brief being to carry out a full mechanical rebuild to a high standard while maintaining the look of a used but well-loved Inter. George Cohen's comprehensive notes detailing the restoration accompany the machine. Since the work was completed in May 2006, the Norton has been used on the road, several times at Les Coupes Moto Légende at Dijon, and also at the 'Festival of 1,000 Bikes' at Mallory Park. We are advised that it goes extremely well and that the engine is remarkably oil-tight. VMCC CEO James Hewing rode the Inter in two sessions at Dijon in 2009, describing it as 'fast and faultless'. Sold only to fund another project, '468 UXP' is offered with VMCC dating certificate, MoT/tax to 2012 and Swansea V5C registration document.