1961 Norton 499cc Manx Model 30

The Autumn Stafford Sale - The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|12 October 2025, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1961 Norton 499cc Manx Model 30
Frame no. 11M 97238
Engine no. 11M 97238

• A late example
• Despatched new to Rotterdam, Netherlands
• Matching numbers (frame & engine)

This 1961 Manx Norton has matching frame and engine numbers and is believed to be one of the machines tuned and prepared by the celebrated Norton specialist Ray Petty. Equipment includes a Fi-Glass Ltd seat, Lucas competition magneto, Amal T5GP2 carburettor, and Akront 18" alloy wheel rims, with 'Manx Norton by Petty' on the fuel tank. The machine also carries 1987 Bol d'Or Motul sticker, a Mandene Ltd sponsor's sticker, and a green scrutineer's sticker.

Ray Petty (1920–1987) was one of the most influential figures in Norton's post-war racing history. A pre-war Brooklands racer, he competed in the Isle of Man TT between 1948 and 1954 before focusing on tuning and preparation. From his Farnborough workshops he built an international reputation, preparing machines for many leading riders but most famously for Derek Minter, whose Petty-tuned singles secured five British Championships between 1962 and 1966. Petty's engines also carried Percy May to victory in the 1971 British 500cc Championship, the last to be won by a single-cylinder machine.

Always innovating, Petty later turned to frame design, producing a limited run of lightweight T45-tubed chassis that kept the Manx competitive on short circuits well into the 1970s. His death in 1987 saw Summerfield Engineering take over and continue his Manx parts and preparation business, and Petty's name remains synonymous with meticulous Norton preparation and sustained racing success.

Barry Strickland, the Norton Owners Club's Camshaft Singles expert, advises that frame number '97288' was supplied on 31st May 1961 as a Model 11M with shop engine number 'EM39' and gearbox 'MX1385'. The Manx's purchaser was the dealer Het Motor Paleis in Rotterdam, Netherlands for their customer, a Mr Ousterman.

Offered from a significant single-owner collection, this Manx, carrying period racing fittings and with a Ray Petty association, represents a fine example of the type of privateer machine that defined the Classic era of motorcycle racing in Britain.
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Footnotes

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This Lot will be auctioned on Sunday 12 October, with the auction starting at 11am GMT.

Saleroom notices

Please note that for Lot 324, frame 11M 97238, the correct factory record confirms the following details: Date: 25 April 1961 Model: 11M Shop Engine Number: EM11 Gearbox Number: MX1357 Agent: Reg Dearden, Chorlton Light Cars This information supersedes the details previously stated in the catalogue. Offered with a purchase invoice and detailed workshop notes recording a rebuild completed on 14th March 1985, including a fully machined cylinder head (after welding), new valve guides and seats, Cosworth piston, and Lucas 2MTT magneto. The notes further confirm the engine was checked again on 29th August 1985 for 'Paul Rickard' (possibly referencing the Paul Ricard circuit).

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