Vehicle Description
Perhaps one of the most famous and successful competition
motorcycles of all time, the Norton Manx debuted in 1947. The
evocative name celebrated motorcycling's most grueling event, the
Isle of Man TT, in which a Norton had competed every year since
1907. The first model to evoke this great event was the Manx Grand
Prix, which itself was a variant of the pre-war Norton
International Roadster 1936-1940. When production resumed in 1946,
the model was known simply as the "Manx." These early post-war
models were very similar to their prewar counterparts, with "garden
gate" frame, upright gearbox, and single-cam engine. The biggest
distinction for the new post-war models was the addition of the
Road Holder telescopic front fork. On track success in the hands of
factory racers and privateers was steady, and the biggest
development came in with the arrival of the famous "Featherbed"
frame. The Featherbed was a revolutionary design featuring welded
steel tubing that was significantly lighter than the competition,
yet offered greater torsional rigidity than the older brazed frame.
Handling and ride were outstanding, and the Manx was the machine to
beat in its namesake event on the Isle of Man, as well as numerous
other open road and circuit races around England and Europe.
Interestingly, Norton found unintended success on four wheels as
well as two, with the 500 cc single-cylinder "thumper" proving to
be a popular choice in the budding Formula 3 championship in
England. The rapid (and noisy!) rear-engine Cooper-Nortons set the
stage for the rear-engine revolution that soon encompassed all
forms of top level automobile racing. This 1952 Manx 30M is a sharp
and desirable example, featuring the early featherbed frame paired
with the long-stroke 500cc single-cylinder engine. It is a very
well-presented bike, with numerous factory correct and period
appropriate parts. The engine is a correct 30M unit, fitted with a
correct Amal GP carburetor, updated with a high-capacity S.U. float
bowl, which was a common modification done to increase fuel flow at
sustained high speeds. A BTH magneto is in place of the original
Lucas, and the exhaust features a shortened megaphone for
additional performance. Not much of the early history is known,
however a Certificate of Authenticity provided by the Norton
Owner's Club reveals it was sold new in New Zealand via W. Whites
Ltd. Finished in classic silver and black livery, this fabulous
bike is nicely presented and detailed with numerous period-correct
items. It wears an older high quality restoration, with attractive
paintwork on the oil and fuel tanks. With its low bars, single-seat
saddle, and Borrani alloy wire wheels, the stance is aggressive and
purposeful. Correct Manx parts include the 8,000 rpm Smiths
tachometer, wheel hubs, Road Holder fork, yellow front number
plate, and mesh aero screen. The Norton Manx continues to be a very
popular choices for vintage racers, as they remain highly
competitive and enjoy excellent parts, service, and restoration
support. In the hands of its most recent owner, this bike was on
static display in a climate controlled environment, so it will
require some customary recommissioning and preparation prior to any
serious use, however it has been started and it runs and goes
nicely - currently fitted with long-legged Dayonta gearing. One
sorted, this Norton would make for a welcome entrant in the
ever-growing vintage motorcycle racing scene. This is a wonderful
opportunity to acquire one of the most iconic British bikes from
the height of Norton's dominance of open road-racing in the 1950s.
Beautiful and brutal, the Norton Manx is a true motorcycling
legend.
