LOT 315

Offered from The John Surtees Family Collection c.1952 Norton 500cc Petty Manx Registration no. not registered Frame no. Unumbered Engine no. Unumbered

Sold for £14,950 inc. premium

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Lot 315

Offered from The John Surtees Family Collection, c.1952 Norton 500cc Petty Manx

The Autumn Stafford Sale - The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|11 October 2026, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

Offered from The John Surtees Family Collection
c.1952 Norton 500cc Petty Manx
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. Unumbered
Engine no. Unumbered

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 Norton 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. Petty's name remains synonymous with meticulous Norton preparation and sustained racing success.

According to documents on file, this Manx's engine is believed to be one of the last units prepared by Petty. Furthermore, the machine is said to incorporate a number of desirable works features, including a reinforced subframe, top fork yoke, and steering damper. The accompanying file also contains copious handwritten notes and parts invoices relating to the Norton's restoration, suggesting that the rebuild was carried out circa 2015/2016, shortly before John's death in 2017. The machine's earlier history is not known.

Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning and/or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the track 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

BUYER'S PREMIUM
The Buyer's Premium for this Lot is 15%+VAT on the first £500k of the Hammer Price, and 12%+VAT on the balance thereafter.

All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, engine capacity, mileage, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

CONDITIONS OF SALE, AUCTION INFORMATION & GUIDE FOR BUYERS
Please see the 'CONDITIONS OF SALE, AUCTION INFORMATION & GUIDE FOR BUYERS' at the top of the main sale page (Bonhams Motorcycles - The Autumn Stafford Sale) for all pertinent information regarding bidder's obligations, viewing, bidding, payment, post-sale collection & transportation.

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Additional information

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Buyers' Obligations
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