slimline identification please

I think it was a slimline 99 from around 1961 and possibly a Deluxe enclosed version. A close up foto of the frame tube alongside of the frame number  and the other matching frame on the offside  would give me a better clue.

My notes show the batch following yours to be standard Model 99 Nortons. But most having a Chrome Primary Case and a few are Listed in the Notes as Special.......suggestion some degree of tuning. eg polished ports, polished crankshaft, HC pistons, twins carb, siamese exhausts etc. Some also wearing standard bars and or Chrome Guards. Both batches being built in late October 1960 but most not sent to dealers until many months later.  Strangely there are no colours mentioned.

Comparing the engine numbers to bikes I know  seem to put it in the late 60  or early 61, I think I can see  some witness marks on the frame where the DL panel brackets have been ground off. Did this myself once after the bikes  bodywork objected to being injected  into  the passengers area of a minvan.  If there was any justice it would have been the drivers seat.  

14 is the designation for a Model 99.  A deluxe model would be designated 14D. The tin cover is standard on all slimlines of the period. A 93,XXX frame number is a 1961 model built around Dec 1960 to Jan 1961.

The club dating officer can confirm actual despatch  date. 

It is quite obvious that some people do not read the earlier postings, which often contain the answers to the original questions.

93531 is almost certainly a standard Model 99 Norton but wearing a Chrome Primary Case. It was built in late October 1960 but not shipped to any dealer until many months later.  

It probably had the frame fittings for the DeLuxe panels but the lack of a letter 'D' as a suffix to the 14 strongly suggests it was standard model 99 road bike.

93531 was part of a batch of 20 Norton Model 99  bikes that were tuned to sports (or SS) level and probably had twin 376 carbs and polished internals. This batch of machine were built the same week as the 650 Manxman began production and were the fore-runner to the Model 99SS which did not appear until the end of March 1961.

The photos are not clear enough to be really sure of anything. Including the frame number. If the frame does show  marks where the DL brackets were cut off ,then in my mind it will always be A DL.  .Its possible but a bit unlikely  that the brackets would have been cut off at the factory to make it a  normal 99.  But as the DL was not selling well  it is possible.  Some better fotos would be interesting.    I  cut the brackets off my  crashed 88DL and re-styled it as a std Dommy 88 in red and Dove. I have seen it advertised as an 88SS   in black and chrome , A very desirable and valuable machine with its special stronger crank  (which I bet   it does not have) If I tell the new owner what it really is ,will he be happy??. 

Hi Niall,  I would have said you were wrong !,  but just  have looked at my matching no's DL , and although the "D" appears in the orriginal logbook frame and engine  (ist entry Harrold Danniel!),  the D does not exist on frame or Engine.  So all the years of the MOT examiner checking the frame number against the official record was just a sham!. I met the previous owner rider of the bike , so I have its history. Facinating  how if we keep an open mind  we can learn something every day. Just as well I don't have to worry anymore about  MOT's. and Gov records. Ummm,  should I stamp the D on engine and frame ?!!. Or is it far too late. Perhaps the D stamp was left off so the motor could be switched to a std 88,  Grind off the frame brackets and voila !. Devious bunch at Bracebridge St.

Just checked the offical records for MY bike The club records  has frame number down as including a "D"  ,as does the VOSA computer. So they have  all  been WRONG since 1960,     Set of stamps anyone?!!. Do two wrongs make a right?.

This worry about numbers is all very exciting but unless somebody starts a national inspection campaign it really makes little difference to anyone who has a V5C. At least..that might have been so before the B word arrived. If we now need a carnet to go abroad for an event or holiday (and do we) there will come a moment at Dover when a Gendarme cross checks, and the bike will be crushed and the owner go to gaol. 

Not worried David, just insanely bored.   It does  give an insight in to the  funny practises that went on back then and the  futility of  insisting  that  official records and specifications  be adhered to or are correct. Sounds like the factory sent out whole batches of DL bikes with information sheets to the dealers  so they could register the bikes  and the sheets  did not match the bikes ,  then the dealers put this wrong info on the log books.. And strange that no one has noticed,up till now, apart from Niall !!. If your bike/car  is badly damaged and the police want to inspect the re-build (as they did to me) then an incorrect frame number  might trip you up?.

I can agree that my Domi 99 deluxe had 14D in the log book but only 14 on the frame.

Paul

"The computer says NO"

 Where possible I would make the alteration ,  and be done with it.    My Little Ducati came with a frame number that was impossible to read  and no frame tag.  I printed a plastic Dymo sticker and stuck it on the headstock.  Never caused a problem !.  If your DL still has the brackets and you intend to use them ,I would advise finding the  tub and  left hand panel first as they are the most rare .  

I always assumed that the 122, 14, 14D, 18 etc were the model type identifier and not part of the frame number. My V5 hasnt got the 18 on it, just the vertical number.

I certainly won't be going anywhere near the DVLA to get it added, and when MOT's were required, the tester only ever used the vertical one.

Good to learn something new.

Regards, George