1949 Norton Manx 30M

Lot details
Registration No: N/A
Frame No: D11M21146
Engine No: D11M21146
cc: 500

Norton had prepared a revised, dedicated racing for the 1940 season, unfortunately, the declaration of war in September 1939 prevented its release. For the next five years Bracebridge Street was preoccupied with supplying machines to the armed forces.
The new racer, based on the International model, eventually entered production in 1946.It featured a single overhead cam engine displacing 499cc achieved with the traditional Bracebridge Street bore and stroke of 79.62 x 100mm. The engine was of all alloy construction fitted with hairpin valves and was housed, together with the four speed gearbox in a rolling chassis that owed much of its design to the pre-war factory bikes.
A plunger rear suspension system was employed, with Norton "Roadholder" telescopic forks at the front of the machine. Conical steel hubs were laced to alloy rims. Named the Manx 30M and offered alongside a 350cc model typed the 40M, the new model quickly established itself as a force to be contended with in competition and remaining largely unchanged until 1949. This year saw a significant change to the engine specification with the adoption of a double overhead cam top end. 1949 also saw the introduction of alloy conical hubs and tanks. The two models continued in this form until they were replaced by the Rex McAndless designed "featherbed" framed versions in 1951, following their successful debut in the hands of the works riders during 1950 season.
This example of a late single over head cam "garden gate" Manx has been the subject of a comprehensive restoration carried out during 2005 which has returned it to, in the vendors words, "immaculate" condition. The engine, cycle parts, paintwork and brightwork are all described as being in excellent condition with the transmission and electrical system are described as being in good condition.