Lot details

During the nineteen fifties the Lightweight GP class was dominated by the Italian and German manufacturers with NSU, MV Agusta, Guzz, Benelli, and Mondial all winning the World Championship. Unfortunately privateer machinery was difficult to acquire with few machines being available, particularly at National level. As a consequence a number of older designs continued to be campaigned whilst others looked to the production of specials based on readily available and proven racing machines of larger capacities. One such modification which met with some success was the 250cc Manx. Typically based on a 350cc 40M with their capacity reduced, the machines proved to be reliable and quick, if a little heavy. Others took the 250cc Manx concept a step further, using the existing design as a basis for the creation of "new" engine, Ray Petty being one such tuner who took this route. The machine offered is a further evolution of the 250cc Manx concept, being in effect a "Mini Manx".

It was built during the early nineties by New Zealander Brian Thomas and is in effect a scaled down Manx, rather than a full size Manx with an engine of reduced capacity. Mr Thomas is believed to have built approximately ten "Minimanxes" in total, some fitted with desmodromic valve gear. The models diminutive dimensions are only fully appreciated when it is presented alongside one of its larger cousins making it a "must have" for any serious Manx collector. The example offered is described by the vendor as "running perfectly" with handling to match.