Celebrating a century of Norton

From the Classic & Vintage Swap Meet

TSAWWASSEN, BC -- Though James Lansdowne (“Pa”) Norton built his first motorcycle in 1902, it was not until 1908 that the famous company produced its first bike with a Norton engine. To celebrate this landmark event, the annual Classic & Vintage Motorcycle Swap Meet and Show ‘N Shine in Tsawwassen, BC on April 27 will feature “100 years of Norton Motorcycles.”

In racing, Norton accumulated 19 (of a possible 24) outright victories in the Isle of Man Senior TT between 1924 and 1954, and six Grand Prix championships between 1929 and 1937.

Featured at this year's show will be a 1929 Norton CS1 of the type that (one-time Vancouver resident) Alec Bennett rode to victory in the 1927 Senior TT. Also expected is a 1947 Manx Norton (Senior TT winner that year), a 1936 International model, and many other significant examples of Norton singles and twins — including the Commando, voted Bike of the Year five years in succession in the UK.

“I’m inviting all owners of Norton motorcycles from the last 100 years to bring and display their bikes,” said show organizer Todd Copan.

Now in its 23rd year, the Classic & Vintage Motorcycle Swap Meet and Show ‘N Shine is the biggest event of its kind in Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest. Filling three halls of European, American and Japanese vintage motorcycle parts, the annual Classic and Vintage Swap Meet and Show ‘n Shine has become a calendar fixture for motorcycle enthusiasts from all over North America and beyond.

The Swap Meet is held at the South Delta Recreation Centre on 56th Street in Tsawwassen, near the junction with Highway 17, 20 minutes north of the US border and 30 minutes south of Vancouver. Swap meet doors open at 10:00am. Admission $7, under 12 free.