1969 Norton Commando Fastback (Tony Denniss Bike)
The Fastback that never was
(according to the Factory Despatch records!)
(according to the Factory Despatch records!)
You will not find this motorcycle in the Norton Motors Despatch Records, simply because it was never officially despatched.
When Dennis Poore saw the Commando was a great success he gave every member of the original development team a Commando as a "premium".
This motorcycle was given to Tony Denniss, who stayed with Norton for many years right into the Norton Motors/Shenstone Rotary era. Tony came from AMC originally, and Richard Negus remembers how skilfully Tony talked him into helping with his move from London to Wolverhampton. First it was "could you take a bike of mine up in your van" which then turned out into a full-scale move of Tony's belongings. Richard most likely moved this motorcycle, too!
Tony was an enthusiastic motorcyclist, but eventually lost interest in the motorcycle and sold it to Andover Norton in the BSA/Regal days of ownership, and with the purchase of the company it was part of the deal. In the BSA/Regal days it was restored to its current state.
When Dennis Poore saw the Commando was a great success he gave every member of the original development team a Commando as a "premium".
This motorcycle was given to Tony Denniss, who stayed with Norton for many years right into the Norton Motors/Shenstone Rotary era. Tony came from AMC originally, and Richard Negus remembers how skilfully Tony talked him into helping with his move from London to Wolverhampton. First it was "could you take a bike of mine up in your van" which then turned out into a full-scale move of Tony's belongings. Richard most likely moved this motorcycle, too!
Tony was an enthusiastic motorcyclist, but eventually lost interest in the motorcycle and sold it to Andover Norton in the BSA/Regal days of ownership, and with the purchase of the company it was part of the deal. In the BSA/Regal days it was restored to its current state.
The Fastback that never was
(according to the Factory Despatch records!)
(according to the Factory Despatch records!)
You will not find this motorcycle in the Norton Motors Despatch Records, simply because it was never officially despatched.
When Dennis Poore saw the Commando was a great success he gave every member of the original development team a Commando as a "premium".
This motorcycle was given to Tony Denniss, who stayed with Norton for many years right into the Norton Motors/Shenstone Rotary era. Tony came from AMC originally, and Richard Negus remembers how skilfully Tony talked him into helping with his move from London to Wolverhampton. First it was "could you take a bike of mine up in your van" which then turned out into a full-scale move of Tony's belongings. Richard most likely moved this motorcycle, too!
Tony was an enthusiastic motorcyclist, but eventually lost interest in the motorcycle and sold it to Andover Norton in the BSA/Regal days of ownership, and with the purchase of the company it was part of the deal. In the BSA/Regal days it was restored to its current state.
When Dennis Poore saw the Commando was a great success he gave every member of the original development team a Commando as a "premium".
This motorcycle was given to Tony Denniss, who stayed with Norton for many years right into the Norton Motors/Shenstone Rotary era. Tony came from AMC originally, and Richard Negus remembers how skilfully Tony talked him into helping with his move from London to Wolverhampton. First it was "could you take a bike of mine up in your van" which then turned out into a full-scale move of Tony's belongings. Richard most likely moved this motorcycle, too!
Tony was an enthusiastic motorcyclist, but eventually lost interest in the motorcycle and sold it to Andover Norton in the BSA/Regal days of ownership, and with the purchase of the company it was part of the deal. In the BSA/Regal days it was restored to its current state.
The two-tone finish is correct though few Norton enthusiasts these days know this finish was optional for the year and think it is a "custom paintjob"
At one time it was ridden by Stirling Moss at some important publicity do, so one could also call it the "Stirling Moss Commando".
Today it is mainly an exhibit for Andover Norton, but is used occasionally as our "template bike".
At one time it was ridden by Stirling Moss at some important publicity do, so one could also call it the "Stirling Moss Commando".
Today it is mainly an exhibit for Andover Norton, but is used occasionally as our "template bike".
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