'Norton Manx' Matchless 650cc Racing Motorcycle

Frame no. none Engine no. 59/G12L X0646

• Built by a member of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers
• Last run in October 2019

Developed from a design by Rex McCandless and first used by Norton on the works single-cylinder racers in 1950, when Geoff Duke rode it to a debut victory at Blandford, the legendary Featherbed frame - especially in its Manx form, as seen here - has long been the special-builders' favourite. New standards of steering, roadholding and comfort were set by the frame, which was immediately dubbed 'Featherbed' by Norton works star Harold Daniell. Although designed with a single-cylinder engine in mind, the generously proportioned Featherbed would in time prove capable of accommodating a wide variety of different power units: twins, triples, fours and v-twins, all could be made to fit with a little ingenuity.

This Matchless-engined racing special has a Unity Equipe Norton 'Manx' type replica chassis with Fontana 4LS double-sided front brake and Manx conical rear hub. The engine is a 650cc G12 8-fin unit fitted with the very rare factory speed kit comprising two chopped Amal Monobloc carburettors, separate inlet manifolds, and production race camshafts. Compression ratio is 8.25:1. Ignition is by Lucas magneto and the transmission consists of a Norton Dominator all-alloy clutch conversion and standard AMC four-speed gearbox.

The machine was built by the vendor, Stephen Eke, for use on track days and parades. Stephen is a member of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers and has experience in Australia, France, Italy and Germany. In 1984 he became a partner in the company 'Spares 'N Repairs' of Watford. As the company's technical manager he was tasked with finding remedies for the various faults afflicting Ducati's bevel-drive twins, and as a result wrote the book Ducati Tuning, which is in effect a rebuild manual for the engine and gearbox. During his time at 'Spares 'N Repairs' the company entered a Ducati in the IoM Formula 2 TT with Steve Cull riding. Stephen was responsible for maintaining the bike, which had several creditable results. This Manx Matchless has been built with no less care and has been running reliably and competitively as recently as October 2019. The machine is presented in full working order and comes with bills, templates, technical drawings, and notes relating to its construction.