Vehicle Description
Lot #49 - Outstanding example of a limited production Norton
Dunstall Atlas. Probably the most well-known enthusiast from Old
England is Paul Dunstall. He built, sold and raced completely
modified Norton’s with great success. Dunstallize and customize are
synonymous in Britain. Paul Dunstall was to Norton what Carroll
Shelby was to Ford. New Nortons were ordered and delivered to
Paul’s corner store in Southeast London, where they were stripped
down completely to the frame. Then the bike was built up to the
individual customer's requirements. Usually the frame was
chromium-plated for an extra charge. Paul Dunstall replaced many
items, such as the gas tank, fenders, seat, rear wheel, exhaust,
foot pegs, brake levers, etc. Upgrades were made for improved
handling. The engines were stripped down to the crankcase and
rebuilt to Dunstall-proven gear, which included items such as
pistons, camshaft, valve, valve springs, ports and carburetors. The
horsepower was increased from 49bhp to 66bhp. The 750 model did
0-60 in 5.5 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph. The original
Norton Owners Club letter of authenticity for this machine is
included. The Norton Owners Club documents this machine was
allocated to a Norton Atlas 750cc model built in Plumstead. The
Norton Owners Club also documents it was dispatched from the
factory on July 24, 1968, to the agent Paul Dunstall of London SE9,
England. .Although the build date was 1968, here in the U.S., bikes
were often titled in the year they were sold, rather than the model
year the factory produced them. This bike is titled as a model year
1969. This machine was purchased from the previous owner as a very
original bike. This was the same owner who received the Norton
Owners Club letter. It was then treated to recent nut-and-bolt
professional restoration. It’s a very time-consuming and expensive
process restoring a Norton Dunstall with parts and labor. As an
example, the frame had to be re-chromium-plated properly, which was
a chore. The original 745cc engine was completely rebuilt and runs
great. The engine is paired with a 4-speed manual transmission. It
only has 3 test miles since completion and is in show-quality
condition throughout. From the MS Classic Cars Collection.
