The Bradford Police Museum celebrates its 10th Anniversary this month and has proudly presented its recently refurbished road-ready historic Norton Interpol 2 motorcycle.
The museum based at City Hall in Centenary Square, Bradford, recently accredited by the Arts Council and run almost entirely by volunteers has introduced a variety of new offers in the last year to appeal to a range of visitors. The museum is independent and a registered charity.
Raham Khan, the museum’s volunteer historic police vehicle fleet manager, said “In addition to our 1960 Ford Consul and 1980 Austin Metro police cars the refurbishment of the historic Norton Interpol 2 as a road worthy fully restored police motorcycle is a superb addition to the exhibition fleet”.
The fleet regularly displays at fetes and galas across the district during the summer.
Volunteer Gary Standley with the Norton Interpol 2 motorcycle.
Norton produced the Interpol 2 from 1983 to 1989. It has an air-cooled twin rotor 588 cc (35.9 cu in) Wankel engine. It replaced the previous piston driven Interpol 1 and was made specifically for the civilian police market and not available to the general public. Only 350 motorbikes were produced by Norton for the police and military.
The museum’s Norton is an 1983 model, one of the earliest off the production line. The refurbishments have been carried out by the museum’s volunteer motorcycle mechanic, Gary Standley. Gary is a Norton enthusiast and couldn’t wait to get his hands on the Interpol 2. He is an advanced motorcyclist and member of the West Yorkshire branch of the Norton owners club.
Gary said, “It’s been a labour of love and the many hours of careful restoration have paid off. This is one of only a few working Interpol 2 motorcycles in the country and I’m delighted it now joins the fleet of historic vehicles at the museum”.
Gary explained, “The Interpol 2 with its revolutionary rotary engine was well received by the police. However, despite its popularity at the time police forces later favoured the BMW brand and the Norton's shelf life was relatively short meaning they are quite rare now”.
Dr Martin Baines QPM, the museum director said, “Getting the Norton restored and back on the road has been a key part of another successful museum year and shows what can be achieved with a team of enthusiastic volunteers.”
Comments