Property of a deceased's estate, 1953 Norton 500cc Model 30 DOHC Manx Racing Motorcycle

Dubbed 'Manx Grand Prix' in 1939, what would become the best-known racing motorcycle of all time had become simply 'Manx' when production resumed in 1946. Norton's over-the-counter Manx racers were much the same as their pre-war counterparts, with single-overhead-camshaft engine, 'square' cylinder head finning, upright gearbox and plunger-suspended 'garden gate' frames. Only the presence of the Roadholder telescopic front fork readily distinguished them from the '39 machines. 1949 brought the first significant change in engine specification, the Manx gaining a double-overhead-camshaft 'head like that enjoyed by the works bikes for many years, but the major development was the arrival of the Featherbed frame for 1951.

The works' adoption of the McCandless-designed duplex-loop swinging-arm chassis the previous year had given the Nortons a new lease of life in Grand Prix racing, and Geoff Duke duly took both the 350 and 500cc world titles in 1951. The cycle parts remained essentially unchanged from then on apart from the adoption of a double-sided, twin-leading-shoe front brake for 1962. Manx engine development, though, continued steadily, latterly under Doug Hele's direction, until production ceased at the end of '62, among the most significant design changes being the adoption of 'square' bore and stroke dimensions for 1954 and coarser-pitch bevel teeth in 1957. Loved and admired by all that have ridden one, the Manx Norton in its many forms is a mainstay of today's classic racing scene.

Norton factory records confirm that this machine was despatched to 'Vidal, Spain'. The late owner purchased the Manx from Brooks' sale of the Autokraft Collection in March 1999 (Lot 33, see catalogue extract). Marque specialist Barry Strickland advises that it is rare to see a long-stroke Featherbed Manx in such original condition: all matching, mostly all correct, and very nice. The machine has been fitted with the later Manx flat handlebars (the originals would have been of the 'swan neck' type, while the fly-screen and racing numberplate are missing. Its history since acquisition is not known. It should be noted that the frame number is only partially visible, the frame gusset having been drilled. Recommissioning will be required before the Manx returns to the racetrack. Apart from the aforementioned auction catalogue extract, there are no documents with this Lot.