1954/5 Norton Manx 30M

Lot details
Registration No: Un-Reg
Frame No: R11M86__6
Engine No: None
cc: 500

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 and the introduction of the "double knocker" engine. 1950 saw the works riders mounted on machines equipped with a new frame designed by Rex McCandless which was quickly dubbed the "featherbed".
The new pivoted fork frame retained the Norton "Roadholder" forks and a revised production Manx incorporating the new frame became available to the paying public for the 1951 season. Detail development occurred over the course of the next two seasons with modifications proven on the works machines being incorporated into the following seasons production models. 1953 marked the introduction of the "short stroke" engines with the 30M adopting a bore and stroke of 86 x 85.62mm instead of the traditional Norton dimensions of 79.62 x 100mm previously employed.
This example is believed to date from 1954 and is an early restoration. At some point in its history it has had replacement crankcases of the correct vintage fitted. The front rim is a Dunlop alloy item and the rear wheel is equipped with an Akront. The correct 2MTT magneto is supplied with the motorcycle although it is not currently fitted. It is attractively presented in the traditional Norton racing livery of silver with black and red pin striping and black cycle parts.