1898-1927	1928-1939		1946-1963	1963-1968	1968-1977	1978-1992	1993-1998	1998-2007
		1939-1945

The second world war is a roaring commercial success for Norton. This is one of the few periods in the firm's history when production comes first, and racing is of no importance. 100.000 of the military version of the 1937 "16H" are built in six years. The 16H is, therefore, the most successful Norton model ever, with the Commando range very much second at about 50.000 motorcycles.

After the war these motorcycles are surplus to requirements and are being sold off to the general public. Even today the owners of pre-war Nortons thank the English military authorities of the time for buying generous consignments of Norton spare parts, that are still available today, more than half a century later! And often greenhorns are lured into buying a "rare pre-war Norton", thereby aquiring an ex-WD 16H. At Norton Motors GmbH we use a 1937 16H as the motorcycle the bosses kids learn to ride on when they have reached the tender age of 10. Good brakes, low seat height and a mild engine make the 16H ideal for the purpose. (Picture shows the webdesigner at the tender age of 10)