PRODUCTION of an engine to kickstart the rebirth of a legendary name in motorcycling history has started at a west Oxfordshire factory.

Menard Competition Technologies has signed an agreement to produce the engine for the relaunched Norton motorcycle at its Leafield factory.

It is expected that up to 500 engines a year will be built at the factory for Norton, which has set up a new plant at the Donington Park racing circuit, near Derby, after entrepreneur Stuart Garner bought the rights to the famous British brand back from American ownership.

Charlie Bamber, commercial director of MCT, said: “It’s a great privilege to be playing a role in the rebirth of a brand as important as Norton.

“We share in the passion and ambition of Norton and know that Stuart and his team are well placed to build on the legacy of a truly iconic name.”

The deal, signed for an undisclosed sum, follows a period of research and development of the power plant by MCT and will focus on the new motorcycle, the 961/SS Commando. There are plans to race the machine at the Isle of Man TT, where Norton has historically enjoyed considerable success.

Mr Garner, managing director of Norton, said: “This is great news – not just for Norton and for MCT but for the wider UK motorcycle industry.

“MCT is one of the world leaders in engine development and the partnership will give us further credibility, as we roll out our Commando range.

“With funding, premises and one of the most talented senior management teams in the motorcycle industry now in place, we’re looking forward to the next chapter of the Norton story.”