Lot details
Registration No: YS 9456
Frame No: T.B.A.
Engine No: 32356
cc: 500
MOT Expiry Date: Exempt

1930 had not been a spectacular year for the Bracebridge concern, their model range was still firmly rooted in the twenties, however, the overhead camshaft models conceived by Walter Moore had been scrutinised by the newly installed chief designer, John Carroll, who undertook a complete redesign and by the time of the Ulster Grand Prix the new machines were meeting with considerable success. Although a few machines fitted with the new engine are believed to have emerged from the factory for purchase by individuals towards the end of 1930, it was not until 1931 that the new engine became officially available replacing the Moore engines in the CS1 and CJ models. These were joined in 1932 by a pair of machines intended primarily for competition, equipped with a racing magneto, four speed gearbox, tuned engine and quick action filler caps typed the Model 40 and Model 30 for the 350cc and 490cc versions respectively and named the "International". Although conceived as racing machines a mag-dyno enabling a lighting set to be fitted and a silencer were offered as options. For the 1940 season Norton proposed a revised, dedicated racing motorcycle based on the International model, however, the outbreak of war in September 1939 precluded it. For the next five years Bracebridge Street was preoccupied with supplying machines to the armed forces. The new racer, which eventually became available during 1946 was named the Manx, the new model quickly established itself as a force to be contended with in competition and remaining largely unchanged for the next two years when the works bikes adopted a double overhead cam engine with the production bikes adopting the layout for the following season.
The machine offered was built by Jim Baxter using all original parts. The double knocker Manx 500cc engine is fitted with a Jackson short stroke crankshaft. The frame is unusual in having a special lug at the bottom of the down tube, a feature not usually seen, that hints at an interesting history. Described as being in good condition both mechanically and cosmetically it is offered with an old log book and expired MOT certificates.