Ex-Dan Shorey, 1959/55 Norton 497cc Manx Model 40 Dominator Racing Motorcycle

• Raced as a standard Manx by Dan Shorey prior to its modification
• Race-tuned Dominator 88 engine
• Barn stored for the last 40-plus years
• Requires recommissioning

The Norton Owners Club has confirmed that frame '81951' dates from 18th March 1959 and was supplied by the Norton factory as part of a 350cc Manx Norton to Taylor Dow in Banbury for Dan Shorey. 'The Banbury Flyer', Dan Shorey was one of Britain's most successful privateer racers of the late 1950s and 1960s, enjoying success on British short circuits, the Isle of Man TT course, and the Continental tracks. Dan was the first to import Bultaco motorcycles into the UK and was a works rider for the Spanish company in Grands Prix. His best TT result, 6th in the Lightweight 250 race in 1962, was gained on a Bultaco, but for the most part he rode Manx Nortons, winning the (non-Championship) 500cc Austrian Grand Prix on one in 1965, the same year he won the British 350cc championship.

The gearbox that went with frame '81951' was 'MX1079', while the Dominator engine currently fitted '61890' started life in a standard 500cc Dominator dating from 3rd March 1955. We are advised that Rodney Gould has confirmed he bought this Norton Manx from Dan Shorey in 1963 and then sold it circa 1966 when he moved up to the 500cc class. The original 350cc engine '81951' and gearbox 'MX1079' were removed at some time, and it is believed that the current Dominator 88 engine fitted is race tuned with a 500 SS cylinder head fitted. It should be noted that the engine number shows evidence of a re-stamp. The rear wheel incorporates a lightened Dominator hub.

In the late 1960s the Manx was ridden by Keith Smith and then John Pounder in the early 1970s. The machine has been kept stored in a barn for the last 40-plus years as part of the vendor's private collection, which he has now decided to sell due to ill health and advancing years. The Norton Manx is offered in 'as last used' condition, requiring recommissioning or possibly more extensive restoration. Its mechanical condition is not known and thus the machine is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to the provenance, authenticity and originality of this motorcycle prior to bidding. A set of John Pounder's used racing leathers is included in the sale.