c.1947 Norton 348cc 'Manx' Competition Special

• Built by a well known amateur racer/engineer in the mid-1960s
• Winner of the National Sprint Association's 350cc class Hill Climb Championship trophy in 1968

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 the same 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. 1949 brought the first significant change in engine specification, the Manx gaining a double-overhead-camshaft cylinder 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 new 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 on 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.

This handsome Norton competition 'special' was built in the mid-1960s for hill climbs and sprints by a regular competitor in such events in his native West Country and further afield. It is believed to consist of a Norton Model 18 rigid frame dating from June 1947 and a 350cc Manx engine from August of that year, the latter fitted with the later 'double knocker' cylinder head. Other noteworthy features include Morad 19" flanged alloy wheel rims; an Amal 10TT9 carburettor; and a Smiths 8,000rpm tachometer. This motorcycle has obviously been built with great attention to detail and with speed in mind, the result being a most stylish British classic. Amongst other event outings, this machine competed in and won the the National Sprint Association's 350cc class Hill Climb Championship trophy in 1968. There is no paperwork with this Lot.

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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