1972 750cc John Player Norton

Norton

1972

750cc

About the 1972 750cc John Player Norton

This exciting 150mph Formula 750cc racer built by Norton’s John Player-sponsored team for the 1972 season was acquired in 2004 and fully restored by former Norton staff. It is in the exact trim used for the newly-formed team’s debut at the Daytona 200 race in Florida, when team rider Phil Read finished fourth despite overshooting a corner and losing time to rivals with faster refuelling facilities. Derived from Norton’s 750cc Commando roadster twin, the racer has a more compact frame and pannier fuel tanks to lower the centre of gravity. The engine has twin Amal GP track carburettors, a Blair two-into-one exhaust system and the first electronic ignition designed for motorcycles by Lucas. Unusually, an oil-cooling radiator is located inside the seat tailpiece.