Few machines can match the history or achievements of the Manx Norton. A mainstay of the Grand Prix Circus in the 1950's and 60's, winning races against technically far more advanced machines and a dominant force in National and club events during the same period, the Manx has gone on to be one of the mainstays of today's classic competitions. Bracebridge Street had prepared a new single cam over the counter racing motorcycle for the 1939 season, derived from the International, unfortunately the release was delayed due to the international situation, with the new model, dubbed the Manx, eventually becoming available during 1946. The single cam engine was housed in plunger frame graced with Norton "Roadholder" forks with the drive being taken to the rear wheel via a four speed gearbox. It continued in this form until 1949 when the factory bikes employed a "double knocker" engine which was fitted to the production machines for the following season. 1950 saw the works riders mounted on machines equipped with a new frame designed by Rex McCandless which was quickly dubbed the "featherbed".
The350cc 40M offered is believed to date from 1952 and features the double over head cam 350cc engine in the "longstroke" form, built between 1951 and 1953, with dimensions of 71mm x 88mm carried over from the proceeding single over head cam engine. The engine is coupled to a Norton "lay-down" gearbox and a single leading shoe front brake is fitted. A later type seat, front number plate and rear mudguard are fitted, which, although not strictly original, enhance the machines looks. The vendor informs us that the machine has recently been restored by the well known specialist Franz Schleifer and it is now presented in very good condition throughout.
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