The David Plant Collection, 1938 Excelsior 500cc Manxman

Although it had proved fast enough to win the 1933 Lightweight TT in Syd Gleave's hands, Excelsior's complex twin-cam, radial four-valve 'Mechanical Marvel' proved something of a disappointment thereafter, and at the end of the 1934 season the Tyseley firm opted for a simpler design: the Manxman. Like the Marvel, the Manxman engine was built by Blackburne, though increasing friction with its engine supplier forced Excelsior to take over production themselves early in 1936. 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.

A still presentable older restoration, this Manxman displays a total of 11 miles on the odometer, which may well be the distance covered since the rebuild. Owned by the vendor since 1985, 'ENN 979' comes with an old-style buff logbook, issued in March 1942, recording the date of first registration as 1st October 1938 (the engine and frame numbers correspond with those recorded in the logbook). This logbook records the machine as being taxed throughout 1942 and again during part of 1945, and thereafter taxed continuously through to 1954, initially in the Halifax area before moving to Sheffield. The first recorded owner listed in the logbook is a Donald Willis of Halifax, followed by Thomas Walker Winterborn of Bradford. Also contained within the history file is a photocopied workshop manual relating to the model. Offered with old/current V5/V5C documents.

Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning and/or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding.
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