Lot 191
1961 Norton 350cc Manx Racing Motorcycle
Frame no. 10M 97327 Engine no. 10M 097327
Amended
23 April 2017, 11:30 BST
Stafford, Staffordshire County ShowgroundSold for £18,400 inc. premium
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1961 Norton 350cc Manx Racing Motorcycle
Frame no. 10M 97327
Engine no. 10M 097327
Frame no. 10M 97327
Engine no. 10M 097327
• Supplied new to Reg Dearden
• Raced regularly by Eddie Byers in the Manx Grand Prix
• Quaife six-speed gearbox
When production resumed post-war, Norton's over-the-counter Manx racer emerged much as it had been in 1939, with single-overhead-camshaft engine, 'square' cylinder head finning, upright gearbox, and plunger-suspended 'garden gate' frame. Only the presence of the Roadholder telescopic front fork readily distinguished the new Manx from its immediate predecessor. 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. Works rider Geoff Duke had debuted the Featherbed at Blandford in April 1950, crushing the opposition and setting a new lap record, and the McCandless-designed chassis would enable Norton to remain competitive with the more powerful multi-cylinder opposition for the next few seasons.
As far as its cycle parts were concerned, the last Featherbed-framed Manx of 1962 was recognisably the same machine as that which debuted in production form in 1951. There were, of course, differences but these were minor when compared with the changes made to the engine. The latter's major revision occurred in 1954 when both 350 and 500 models adopted near 'square' bore/stroke dimensions. The result was significantly increased power, but from then on the gains would be smaller, and much subsequent development was aimed at improving reliability. Today the popularity of the Manx in classic racing remains undiminished, with original examples racing alongside replicas of differing specification produced by specialist manufacturers worldwide.
The superb Manx offered here was raced in the Isle of Man Classic Manx Grand Prix for 12 consecutive years in the 1990s/2000s by Eddie Byers, sponsored by Bill Hiscox's Tipps Garage. Notable results include 4th place in the Pre-Classic TT, 10 Finisher's Awards, one Silver Replica, and a fastest lap of 92.2mph. One of the last Manx Nortons produced, this matching-numbers example was completed on 21st August 1961. The machine was supplied new to well-known tuner/entrant, Reg Dearden of Chorlton, Manchester, sponsor of countless riders including stars such as Geoff Duke, Gary Hocking, Dave Chadwick, John Hartle, George Catlin, and Terry Shepherd. Its specification includes a titanium con-rod, ceramic-coated cylinder bore, belt primary drive, Gardner carburettor, Quaife six-speed gearbox, Lockheed front disc brake, and Falcon shock absorbers.
• Raced regularly by Eddie Byers in the Manx Grand Prix
• Quaife six-speed gearbox
When production resumed post-war, Norton's over-the-counter Manx racer emerged much as it had been in 1939, with single-overhead-camshaft engine, 'square' cylinder head finning, upright gearbox, and plunger-suspended 'garden gate' frame. Only the presence of the Roadholder telescopic front fork readily distinguished the new Manx from its immediate predecessor. 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. Works rider Geoff Duke had debuted the Featherbed at Blandford in April 1950, crushing the opposition and setting a new lap record, and the McCandless-designed chassis would enable Norton to remain competitive with the more powerful multi-cylinder opposition for the next few seasons.
As far as its cycle parts were concerned, the last Featherbed-framed Manx of 1962 was recognisably the same machine as that which debuted in production form in 1951. There were, of course, differences but these were minor when compared with the changes made to the engine. The latter's major revision occurred in 1954 when both 350 and 500 models adopted near 'square' bore/stroke dimensions. The result was significantly increased power, but from then on the gains would be smaller, and much subsequent development was aimed at improving reliability. Today the popularity of the Manx in classic racing remains undiminished, with original examples racing alongside replicas of differing specification produced by specialist manufacturers worldwide.
The superb Manx offered here was raced in the Isle of Man Classic Manx Grand Prix for 12 consecutive years in the 1990s/2000s by Eddie Byers, sponsored by Bill Hiscox's Tipps Garage. Notable results include 4th place in the Pre-Classic TT, 10 Finisher's Awards, one Silver Replica, and a fastest lap of 92.2mph. One of the last Manx Nortons produced, this matching-numbers example was completed on 21st August 1961. The machine was supplied new to well-known tuner/entrant, Reg Dearden of Chorlton, Manchester, sponsor of countless riders including stars such as Geoff Duke, Gary Hocking, Dave Chadwick, John Hartle, George Catlin, and Terry Shepherd. Its specification includes a titanium con-rod, ceramic-coated cylinder bore, belt primary drive, Gardner carburettor, Quaife six-speed gearbox, Lockheed front disc brake, and Falcon shock absorbers.
Footnotes
As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.
Saleroom notices
The engine number is 10M 97327.