One of the most iconic racing bikes in history, the Norton Manx was available in 500cc (30M) and 350cc (40M) variants. Here’s one of the latter that had a race successful race history before it was restored. The Manx has seen a recent resurgence in popularity for classic motorcycle racing, leading to aftermarket firms specializing in service and parts supply for these classics. If you know the right people, you can even buy a ‘new’ Manx to take racing. But why do that when you can get the real thing?
The Manx started as a Norton International, but that evolved into factory racers in a (successful) effort to dominate the Manx TT on the Isle of Man. As that race was 264 miles long, the bikes were built to last. Despite that, the 350cc engine produced 36 bhp at 8000 RPM. 1953 was the last year of the 71mm x 88mm long-stroke motor that debuted with the genesis of the Manx as a production racer in 1946. By that point the Manx was spec’d with a Featherbed frame, internal fork springs, 19 inch wheels, and Amal GP carbs. The 1953 model had a price of £429, which equates to £11,878.77 today (and currently converts to $15,038.23).
The bike was originally sold to a Denis Parkinson in Wakefield, England in 1953, and the seller believes that this was “most likely used by Denis Parkinson to win the senior Manx GP on September 1953.” However, the original motor is no longer with the machine. In 2002, this bike was purchased in England from Bernie Allen. Bernie was a former Manx racer who go on to create modern replicas of the 61 Manx racer. As the current seller documents, it was bought by a Mile Anderson who raced the bike in New Zealand. It exchanged hands again and eventually was sold by a gentleman named Bob Allen, who “looked after it during some of its racing career and restored the bike” before selling it to the current owner/seller. Since racing (and winning) in New Zealand in 2003, this machine has not been used. Highlights include a 5-speed gearbox, coil spring valve conversion, four leading shoe front brake from a ’62 Manx, Works ultra light shocks with titanium shafts, 5 gallon tank, and a McIntosh rear stand.
Will you keep it on display or get it dirty again? Either way, this Norton Manx is currently available in the Seattle, Washington area and the seller is asking for $44,500. Contact me: abhi AT bike-urious.com to be put in touch!