1961 Norton 499cc Manx Model 30M
Frame no. 11M 97283
Engine no. 204
• Raced in the TT from 1963 to 1973
• Six speed gearbox
• Four leading shoe front brake
• Enclosed valve springs
• Prepared in period by Ray Petty
• Owned since 1961
This 500 Manx was purchased from the first owner, Harry Middleton, in 1961 when it was less than a year old, by the present owner, 'Monty' Buxton. Monty raced this, and a 350 (also offered in this sale). Man and machine were to remain together from that day to this, racing extensively thereafter at many short circuit meetings, and in Monty's hands achieved some good results at a number, including a win at Scarborough, and a 3rd place in the Southern 100 in 1963. He also competed in the TT in 1961 (finishing 23rd), 1963 and 1964. In 1963 Monty held the 500-class lap record on this bike on the Silverstone club course. Another of his claims to fame was a 2nd in the 250cc class of the Thruxton 500 race, partnered by John Hartle, the team being managed by Geoff Duke. In the document file is a copy of a photograph of Monty on this machine at Mallory Park in 1963, behind Derek Minter in first place, but ahead of Phil Read in third, which is the order they finished.
Monty retired from racing at the end of 1964, and the 500 Manx was ridden for a short time by Tony Ward. Barry Randle then ran both of Monty's machines in the TT from 1965 to 1969, most notably achieving a 3rd place in the Senior on this bike in 1968. Following Barry, the bike was raced by Peter Elmore, before Peter Robson became the last rider, competing in the Manx Grand Prix classic races from 1991 to 1995. Much of the engine preparation work on the 500 was carried out by legendary tuner Ray Petty, and some of his handwritten notes, both original and photocopies, can be found in the accompanying documents.
Following a spell of disuse, the owner entrusted it to the Summerfield brothers, who had purchased Ray Petty's stock and equipment after his death, for engine rebuilding and restoration in 2011, and paperwork relating to this is on file.
As one would expect, this bike has, over time, undergone changes, improvements and modifications to enhance its performance, make it more reliable, and generally more user-friendly. These include the enclosed coil spring conversion, the four-leading shoe front brake, the belt primary drive, Maxton shock absorbers, and a six speed gearbox. At some time also, the engine has evidently had a replacement set of crankcases which are stamped 204.
Paperwork accompanying this Manx comprises the aforementioned restoration paperwork and preparation notes by Petty, together with the copy photograph mentioned, and photographs of the Summerfields with the machine.
Prospective purchasers should note that this machine has had little use since restoration in 2011, so will need light re-commissioning prior to use.
