LOT 477
1954 Norton 348cc Manx Model 40M Frame no. J10M2 57859 Engine no. K10M 62506
Sold for £18,975 inc. premium
Lot 477
1954 Norton 348cc Manx Model 40M Frame no. J10M2 57859 Engine no. K10M 62506
1954 Norton 348cc Manx Model 40M
Frame no. J10M2 57859
Engine no. K10M 62506
Frame no. J10M2 57859
Engine no. K10M 62506
• Purchased from Rex McCandless
• Possibly ridden by Bob Mcintyre
• History with Reg Dearden and Denis Parkinson
• 'Barn find' condition
The history of this machine is a fascinating web of some of the best-known names of post-war Norton racing. The deceased owner of this Manx had a lifelong interest in motorcycles, and some experience in racing at club level. Between 1959 and 1963 he was working in Northern Ireland, where he became friendly with Rex and Cromie McCandless and their families. During his time in Ireland. Rex McCandless sold him this Manx, telling him that it had been ridden by Bob Mcintyre. Moving back to the mainland, it is thought the Manx had only occasional use, perhaps for parades, but was not used in anger again. In approximately 1965 the bike was laid up in dry storage, and has remained there ever since.
Examination of Norton factory records reveals some interesting facts about this machine. The bike was despatched from the factory to the famous Norton rider Denis Parkinson on 16th April 1954. Parkinson was a highly regarded racer who won several Manx GPs, and having begun racing in the 1930s, was still racing in the 1950s. He was still racing a 350 Manx in 1954. He ran a motorcycle shop in his home town of Wakefield, and whether this machine was for Parkinson himself to race, or for a customer, is unknown.
At some time, the engine of this bike, unsurprisingly for a racer, has been replaced. The replacement engine has its own history, as factory records confirm that it was initially used in an 'Ex-Works racer' and the date code in the number places it in 1955. Having been used by Norton, it was then despatched to Reg Dearden on 22nd August 1956 under his company name of Chorlton Light Cars. Dearden was an ex-racer who found his greatest fame as a tuner and sponsor of riders on Manx Nortons. At times he would sponsor up to ten riders on his own machines at events like the TT, and it is no surprise that he was favoured with the previous year's Works engines, such as this. How Dearden's engine, coupled with Parkinson's chassis, came to be owned by Rex Mcandless, having possibly been ridden by Bob Mcintyre, can only be speculated on, and may repay further research by the new owner.
Standing since the 1960s, this machine will require re-commissioning or restoration before use by a new owner, and is sold strictly as viewed. Documentation comprises a variety of copy handwritten notes by the deceased owner, printed and copied tuning notes and parts lists, a maintenance manual, an extract of the factory records from the Norton Owners Club, and miscellaneous papers.
• Possibly ridden by Bob Mcintyre
• History with Reg Dearden and Denis Parkinson
• 'Barn find' condition
The history of this machine is a fascinating web of some of the best-known names of post-war Norton racing. The deceased owner of this Manx had a lifelong interest in motorcycles, and some experience in racing at club level. Between 1959 and 1963 he was working in Northern Ireland, where he became friendly with Rex and Cromie McCandless and their families. During his time in Ireland. Rex McCandless sold him this Manx, telling him that it had been ridden by Bob Mcintyre. Moving back to the mainland, it is thought the Manx had only occasional use, perhaps for parades, but was not used in anger again. In approximately 1965 the bike was laid up in dry storage, and has remained there ever since.
Examination of Norton factory records reveals some interesting facts about this machine. The bike was despatched from the factory to the famous Norton rider Denis Parkinson on 16th April 1954. Parkinson was a highly regarded racer who won several Manx GPs, and having begun racing in the 1930s, was still racing in the 1950s. He was still racing a 350 Manx in 1954. He ran a motorcycle shop in his home town of Wakefield, and whether this machine was for Parkinson himself to race, or for a customer, is unknown.
At some time, the engine of this bike, unsurprisingly for a racer, has been replaced. The replacement engine has its own history, as factory records confirm that it was initially used in an 'Ex-Works racer' and the date code in the number places it in 1955. Having been used by Norton, it was then despatched to Reg Dearden on 22nd August 1956 under his company name of Chorlton Light Cars. Dearden was an ex-racer who found his greatest fame as a tuner and sponsor of riders on Manx Nortons. At times he would sponsor up to ten riders on his own machines at events like the TT, and it is no surprise that he was favoured with the previous year's Works engines, such as this. How Dearden's engine, coupled with Parkinson's chassis, came to be owned by Rex Mcandless, having possibly been ridden by Bob Mcintyre, can only be speculated on, and may repay further research by the new owner.
Standing since the 1960s, this machine will require re-commissioning or restoration before use by a new owner, and is sold strictly as viewed. Documentation comprises a variety of copy handwritten notes by the deceased owner, printed and copied tuning notes and parts lists, a maintenance manual, an extract of the factory records from the Norton Owners Club, and miscellaneous papers.
Footnotes
As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.
Additional information
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