PHOENIX APPRAISALS
MOTORCYCLE APPRAISAL
CLIENT
Lars Budczinski
MOTORCYCLE
MAKE: Norton MODEL: Mercury
YEAR: 1968 CHASSIS NUMBER: 18-129550
ENGINE NUMBER: 20-114674P COLOUR: High Gloss Red, black frame.
MILEAGE: 15 miles (new speedo) DATE: March 30, 2016.
CONDITION GUIDELINES:
#5 Excellent.....A close-to-perfect original or perfectly restored motorcycle.
#4 Very Good.....An extremely well-preserved original or well-restored motorcycle.
#3 Good.....A presentable original or well-restored motorcycle that shows some signs of wear.
#2 Fair.....Starts, runs and rides okay, but cosmetics and/or mechanics need significant work.
#1 Poor.....Heavily used and abused, missing or incorrect parts, needs major cosmetic and
mechanical work.
PHOENIX APPRAISALS 808-260 Sheldon Ave. N., Kitchener, Ont. N2H 6P2 (519) 568-7282 phoenix@golden.net
DETAILED APPRAISAL
FRAME: 4.0
SUSPENSION: 4.0
PAINT: 4.0
CHROME, NICKEL, ALLOY: 4.0
UPHOLSTERY, SEATING: 4.0
TIRES, WHEELS: 3.5
BODYWORK, PANELS: 4.0
FUEL SYSTEM: 4.0
EXHAUST SYSTEM: 3.5
INSTRUMENTATION: 4.0
LIGHTING: 4.0
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: 4.0
BRAKES: 4.0
CONTROLS: 4.0
REAR DRIVE SYSTEMS: 4.5
ENGINE: 4.5
TRANSMISSION: 4.0
OVERALL MECHANICAL CONDITION: 4.0
OVERALL COSMETIC CONDITION: 4.0
ORIGINALITY: 3.5
TOTAL SCORE (OUT OF 100): 79.5 / 100
SPECIAL COMMENTS AND NOTATIONS:
Includes new custom paint and powder coating, upgrade to fully rebuilt and balanced Atlas 750cc engine, custom seat, upgrade to Mikuni carburettor, upgrade to Joe hunt magneto, John Tickle rear mounted foot controls, belt-drive primary drive, centre-line oil tank, new speedo and tach plus a number of other, minor improvements in support of safety, appearance and performance.
CONCLUSIONS
The 1968 Norton Mercury, also referred to (in various world markets) as a 650SS or Dominator, is arguably the most sought-after of the ‘Featherbed’ framed Norton twins that were in production from the late 1940’s through to as late as1980. Famed for their robust performance, superb Roadholder front forks and stout Featherbed frames, they were the darling of both the casual rider and Cafe-Racer crowd right from the get-go.
This particular 1968 Norton Mercury has benefitted from a careful, amateur restoration using upgraded, high-quality parts whenever possible. Both fit and finish are very good. Included are custom paint and powder coat, a fully rebuilt and balanced Atlas 750cc engine with belt drive primary, Joe Hunt magneto ignition and single Mikuni carburettor, custom seat, John Tickle rear set controls plus a long list of additional upgrades and improvements designed to enhance appearance, safety and performance. The owner has documented his restoration with a complete list of bills and receipts. Built in the traditional Cafe Racer style, the bike start’s, runs and rides like a new motorcycle and should, if maintained in its present condition, either hold or increase in value in years to come. Please note that while the official Ontario title may refer to this bike as a ‘rblt’, this means nothing when it comes to the true ‘current replacement value’. It is in fact a by-the-numbers correct 1968 Norton Mercury and I have appraised it accordingly.
After consulting a variety of sources including the NADA Vintage Motorcycle Value Guide, several vintage motorcycle sales publications and websites, both Bonham’s and Mecum’s recent vintage motorcycle auction results, and taking into consideration recent currency fluctuations, I have concluded that the current replacement value for this 1968 Norton Mercury is $9000.00 (plus any local fees and taxes).
CURRENT REPLACEMENT VALUE
$9000.00
Jim Danniels
Phoenix Appraisals
