LOT 521

1935 Excelsior 250cc Manxman Racing Motorcycle Registration no. YFO 793 Frame no. ME269 Engine no. XBR160

Sold for £11,500 inc. premium

Lot 521

1935 Excelsior 250cc Manxman Racing Motorcycle

The Spring Stafford Sale - The International Classic MotorCycle Show|22 April 2023, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1935 Excelsior 250cc Manxman Racing Motorcycle
Registration no. YFO 793
Frame no. ME269
Engine no. XBR160

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.

Rebuilt by the previous owner in 1997, this '250' Manxman had belonged to our vendor since 2004 and last ran in 2019 (the most recent MoT expired in 2013). Said to be a cracking bike to ride, it runs on Castrol R so also smells wonderful! The machine comes with a file of documentation to include a VMCC dating statement; old/current V5Cs; and four pages of hand-written notes concerning its mechanical specification (perusal recommended).

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.

Saleroom notices

The frame number is ME289

Additional information

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