LOT 79 *N
The Connoisseurs Collection, Part II 1946 Norton 350cc Model 40 Manx Racing Motorcycle Registration no. not registered Frame no. 12259 Engine no. A10M 5523
The Connoisseurs Collection, Part II, 1946 Norton 350cc Model 40 Manx Racing Motorcycle
The Connoisseurs Collection, Part II
1946 Norton 350cc Model 40 Manx Racing Motorcycle
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. 12259
Engine no. A10M 5523
1946 Norton 350cc Model 40 Manx Racing Motorcycle
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. 12259
Engine no. A10M 5523
The Lot is from outside the UK. Shippio Ltd must automatically uplift this Lot after the auction, complete all post sale import or export customs administration, and store this Lot until it is customs cleared. A compulsory fee of £350 + VAT will be added to the buyer's invoice for this. This Lot cannot be collected from the auction venue by the purchaser or any alternative transporter.
If the Lot is to stay in the UK or is not exported within 90 days of sale, Import VAT at 5% on the hammer price is payable.
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 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.
The year 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 welcome 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 onwards 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.
Nothing is known of the history of this Norton Manx, which consists of a 1946 engine and 1947 frame. The machine is presented in restored condition and would respond well to detailing (the engine turns over). Notable features include a 'pie crust' fuel tank; Smiths 8,000rpm tachometer; and an Amal TT carburettor.
Offered unregistered and without 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.
Key not required
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.
Please see the Auction Information and Guide for Buyers at the top of the main sale page, for bidders' obligations. The Spring Stafford Sale
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This Lot will be auctioned on Saturday 25 April, with the auction starting at 2:30pm BST.
Saleroom notices
The frame is additionally numbered 13166 (see online images). Please note that, following specialist advice from Barry Strickland, this machine appears to have been rebuilt with a number of later updates. The engine is of 1946 type but may have been rebuilt with a later short con-rod and barrel. The petrol tank appears smaller than standard and may be a modified earlier item. Other minor non-original updates are also present. Prospective bidders should satisfy themselves as to the specification and originality of the machine.
Additional information
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Lot symbols
| * | Import low rate |
| VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium. | |
| N | NOVA declaration |
| This machine is subject to post-sale customs administration and, for UK Buyers, a NOVA declaration. Whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (SHIPPIO) to undertake the NOVA and C88 (customs) application if applicable on the Buyer's behalf. A fee to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice, as follows: for Live Public Sales: £350 + VAT; for Timed, Online-only Sales: £195 + VAT. |
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