LOT 359

c.1962 Norton 350cc Manx Model 40 Racing Motorcycle Registration no. not registered Frame no. 10M 102774 Engine no. 10M 102774 (see text) Shop engine no. JM33

Sold for £11,500 inc. premium

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Lot 359

c.1962 Norton 350cc Manx Model 40 Racing Motorcycle

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

c.1962 Norton 350cc Manx Model 40 Racing Motorcycle
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. 10M 102774
Engine no. 10M 102774 (see text) Shop engine no. JM33

Gearbox no. MX 1492

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, though only the presence of the Roadholder telescopic front fork distinguished the post-war bike from the '39 version. The first significant change in engine specification occurred in 1949 when a works-type double-overhead-camshaft cylinder head was adopted, but the major development was the arrival for 1951 of the state-of-the-art Featherbed frame. From then on the cycle parts remained essentially unchanged apart from the adoption of a double-sided, twin-leading-shoe front brake for 1962. Manx engine development continued steadily until production ceased at the end of '62, the most significant design change being the adoption of 'square' bore and stroke dimensions for 1954 and coarser-pitch bevel teeth in 1957.

Unfortunately it is not known when, where or from whom this handsome Norton Manx was purchased by the late owner. The machine comes with Science Museum Library correspondence dating from 1993 listing its entry in the Norton despatch book as follows:

Date: 13.3.62
Engine/frame no. 102774
Card no. 61202
Model: 10M
Shop engine no. JM33
Gearbox no. 1492
Agent: Keeler, Wembley

According to the Norton Owners Club: "Frame number 102774 appears correct; however, the engine number does not, as it seems to be a non-factory stamping and is therefore likely a replacement engine stamped to correspond with the frame number." It should be noted the offside frame gusset is stamped F6, its relevance unknown.

The engine turns over. Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning and/or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before further use and thus is sold strictly as viewed (the engine turns over). Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding.
Key not required

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