Lot details
Registration No: N/A
Frame No: NE90M010
Engine No: BL615526
cc: 500
MOT Expiry Date: N/A

Originally developed during 1939, but not introduced until 1946 due to the Second World War, the Manx Norton went on to become one of the most successful racing machines winning at all levels of competition. Continual development saw the introduction of the "featherbed" frame at the beginning of the fifties and the adoption of a twin cam head during 1952. Although production effectively ceased at Bracebridge Street during 1962,demand for components remained high, with many machines remaining in use through the sixties and into the seventies, a testament to the soundness of the design. As the classic movement grew during the seventies with its attendant classic racing scene a number of small manufacturers began to offer new components enabling machines to be kept running. This ultimately resulted in the creation of complete machines becoming viable. The Manxman offered is one such example.
Manxman's were built by Neville Evans during 1978 using a 500cc version of the single cam Manx engine housed in Norton "featherbed" frame with a belt primary drive as a limited production machine. The machines evoked the early "featherbed" Manx in appearance and were finished in the traditional Norton livery of silver and black. It is believed that Mr Evans built approximately eight examples in total, four being road versions equipped with lighting sets and a degree of silencing and four, of which this is one, to racer specification. The vendor purchased the machine from Brian Lanagan who had been instrumental in financing the project. It is believed that Mr Lanagan was given the machine in lieu of payment for the project. The engine number prefix of BL is suggested to indicate that the engine was built by Mr Lanagan Described as in nearly new condition in all respects, having covered approximately 200 miles since it was built it is attractively presented with a black and silver livery.