The Dave Degens, c.1965 Dunstall 500cc Domiracer Replica Racing Motorcycle

• Built by Dave Degens as a replica of his 1960s Dunstall racer
• Dresda Autos frame
• Tuned Dominator engine

Following the introduction of the race-proven Featherbed frame on its Dominator roadster for 1952, Norton began experimenting with a competition version for use in production-based AMA racing in the USA. Some creditable results were achieved in 1953 but it would be another eight years before the factory revived the notion of a racer based on the roadster twin. Development was supervised by Chief Engineer Doug Hele, who was convinced that the twin's advantages of a lighter, smoother and more compact engine would pay dividends if the unit was installed in a modified Featherbed frame. A new version of the latter was produced, 2.5" lower than that of the single-cylinder Manx and equipped with proportionately shortened Roadholder forks. Christened 'Domiracer', Hele's creation was entered in the 1961 Isle of Man Senior TT, though critics gave little for its chances when pitted against pukka racing machinery. Despite the general scepticism, Australian Tom Phillis brought the Domiracer home in a magnificent 3rd place behind the Manx Nortons of Mike Hailwood and Bob MacIntyre, lapping at 100.36mph in the process.

This promising debut ought to have heralded the introduction of an over-the-counter version, but Norton decided to stick with the Manx and the Domiracer project was shelved. Following the AMC takeover and Norton's relocation to Woolwich in 1963, the bikes and spares were sold off to Reg Dearden and Paul Dunstall, the latter using the Domiracer to good effect as an ideal way of publicising his tuning and accessory business. In Grand Prix racing, Austrian Rudi Thalhammer built and rode his own Domiracer in the early 1960s with a measure of success, but these private efforts, although worthy, were very much less than the Domiracer deserved.

A very close re-creation of the machine Dave Degens raced for Paul Dunstall in the 1960s, the example offered here was built using an improved 'Lowboy' frame fabricated at Dresda Autos. (Dave is certain that the original Domiracers were broken up as they succumbed to the rigours of racing.) This machine incorporates improvements that were made over time, featuring a frame made from Accles & Pollock T45 tubing (rather than Reynolds 531) on the advice of frame-building guru Ken Sprayson, and a tuned short-stroke 500cc Norton engine. The latter incorporates a Domiracer racing camshaft; downdraught cylinder head; Lucas competition magneto; and twin Amal GP carburettors. Other notable features include Borrani alloy wheel rims and a Smiths 9,000 RPM tachometer. Following a period of inactivity, the machine will require re-commissioning and thus is sold strictly as viewed. It is hoped that supporting documentation will be available at time of sale.