LOT 421

From the estate of the late David Atkinson 1936 Excelsior 350cc Manxman Racing Motorcycle Registration no. KXS 749 Frame no. MRF160 Engine no. CXR263

Sold for £16,100 inc. premium

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Lot 421

From the estate of the late David Atkinson, 1936 Excelsior 350cc Manxman Racing Motorcycle
Registration no. KXS 749 Frame no. MRF160 Engine no. CXR263

The Autumn Stafford Sale – The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|16 October 2022, 10:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

From the estate of the late David Atkinson
1936 Excelsior 350cc Manxman Racing Motorcycle
Registration no. KXS 749
Frame no. MRF160
Engine no. CXR263

Although it had proved fast enough to win the 1933 Lightweight TT in Syd Gleave's hands, Excelsior's complex 'Mechanical Marvel' proved something of a disappointment thereafter, and at the end of the 1934 season the Tyseley firm opted for something simpler: the Manxman. A single-overhead-camshaft, two-valve design, the Manxman was built in 250, 350 and 500cc capacities. Road and race versions were offered, though the 500 was only ever marketed as a sports roadster. Although it never won a TT, the Manxman enjoyed considerable success in international racing and the Manx Grand Prix, Denis Parkinson winning the Lightweight race three times on the trot between 1936 and 1938. Notable Manxman developments included the switch to a shorter-stroke 250 engine in 1937 and the adoption (also applied to the 350) of an aluminium-alloy cylinder head with right-hand exhaust port.

Apparently an older restoration, this Manxman racer was acquired by well-known Brighton Speed Trials competitor, the late Basil Keys, circa October 1990. (We are advised that, in terms of production, the frame and engine are close enough to have left the factory together.) The late owner purchased the Manxman when the Keys Collection was auctioned at Bonhams' Stafford sale in October 2018 (Lot 402). Since then the registration has been changed and the machine kept in storage. Re-commissioning will be required before further use. Offered with a V5C document.
Key not required

Footnotes

All lots are 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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