1974 Norton Dunstall 829cc Commando Interstate 'Shadow', Frame no. 212133 Engine no. 212133

1974 Norton Dunstall 829cc Commando Interstate 'Shadow'
Frame no. 212133
Engine no. 212133
• Handsome, iconic mid-1970s 'special edition'
• Distinctive Dunstall fiberglass bodywork

By 1970 a Dunstall Norton was a production motorcycle modified by Paul Dunstall in his shop in Thamesmead, London. Paul, a specialist tuner from the 1960s and early 1970s Norton twins, had became a motorcycle manufacturer in his own right, so that a Dunstall could compete in production races. After numerous race track successes and the setting of a number of world speed records, sales of Dunstall Nortons were declining consistent with the demise of the British motorcycle industry as a whole and corresponding rise in Japanese imports. Paul had already turned his attention to modifying Japanese marques before the collapse of Norton (then part of the fated NVT) in 1974. After several more successful years, he left the motorcycle industry to concentrate on property development and sold the brand in 1982. However, his name is ever intertwined with that of the Norton twin.

The Commando's vibration-beating Isolastic frame enabled Norton Villiers successfully to prolong the life of their ageing parallel twin. Launched in 1967, the Commando used the preceding Featherbed-framed Atlas model's 750cc engine and AMC gearbox, and was an instant hit with the motorcycling public, being voted Motor Cycle News 'Machine of the Year' for five consecutive years. It might have been a little down in top speed compared to rivals such as BSA-Triumph's 750cc triples and Honda's CB750 four, but the Commando more than made up for this minor deficiency with superior mid-range torque and steadier handling. Introduced in 1973, the 850 (actually 829cc) featured a larger bore, through-bolted cylinder block, stronger gearbox casting and an all-metal clutch among a host of other, more minor improvements. The extra capacity provided the 850 with even more mid-range urge, and the model would continue as the sole Commando after 1975 when the MkIII was introduced. An electric starter was the major MkIII innovation, while other upgrades included a rear disc brake, left-side gear lever, right-side rear brake lever and an automatic primary chain tensioner.

This Dunstall Norton (manufacture and order paperwork is in the history file) was originally shipped to Winnepeg, Canada. It was brought into the USA by the seller in 1996 to be enjoyed. It has been an International Norton Owners Club award winner and apart from having its tank and side panels repainted in 2009, all the Dunstall original mods are intact. The engine, transmission and primary drive have never needed to be opened. Currently there is no battery installed, or fluids, but with replenishment and a simple check over, it should start and run as well as it ever did.

A unique opportunity exists to purchase a genuine Dunstall Commando, seldom available in the marketplace.