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. It would be 1939 before the factory built a pukka 500cc Manxman racer, this being the solitary works bike that Tyrell Smith rode at that year's Isle of Man TT.

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.

Records held by the Manxman Register (the factory records were lost) suggest that only some 250 GJB-engined 500s were made between 1935 and 1939 (see letter on file). Only 20 are known to the Register, making that offered here extremely rare; indeed, Manxman Register correspondence confirms that this example is the first to be fitted with an experimental bronze cylinder head, making it all the more desirable.

An email on file from Manxman authority Paul Ingham states that '100' series engines were development units not necessarily intended for installation in machines sold over the counter. Mr Ingham's first record of 'GJB100' is dated 24th August 1937 with 'Richards' named. Richards seems to have tested some of the 500cc bikes/engines in a slave chassis on the road and track. Notes state that the bike was used solo and with a sidecar. 'GJB100' was not prepared for the TT but did have some development work done on it by engineer and works rider, Tyrell Smith. It is further noted that this machine now has the later style crankcases which were not in existence at the time 'GJB100' was tested above.

This Manxman was fully restored in the 1990s prior to the current private vendor's ownership. A still very presentable older restoration, the Manxman has not run in the last seven years. 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 must satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's history, originality, authenticity, mechanical condition, usage and completeness (or otherwise) prior to bidding. It comes with a spare Albion gearbox, spare timing chain cover, and an original primary chain cover. Offered with a V5C document.
Key not required