Description
H&H Classic Auction @ National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
30th Oct, 2024 13:00
1961 Manx Norton 500
Late model of the classic Manx
Estimate
£18, 000 - £22, 000
Registration No: Unregistered
Frame No: Not visible
MOT: Exempt
A beautiful example of the legendary Manx Norton
Authentically restored back to factory condition
Quaife 5 speed box and an extensive paperwork file
Norton's factory race bikes were experimental models, but a version was made available to selected customers and every top road racer from Geoff Duke to Mike Hailwood enjoyed success on a Manx at some point.
This beautiful example has been entered from the collection of Brian Ditchfield, a retired engineer and lifelong motorcycle enthusiast who has in the past run a very successful Sidecar GP team, finishing in the top six for the 2003 World Championship. Bought by Brian in 2014 from a private collection in Germany and ridden by him occasionally on classic parades, it has been restored to a very high standard, keeping it as close to the original 1961 specification as possible. It comes supplied with an extensive paperwork file of technical information and set-up instructions that state the frame was made in May 1961, although the associated area is obscured under a good layer of paint. The engine number is 11M 93769 and it is fitted with an Amal T5 GP2 1 3/ 8" carb and a Lucas 2MTT racing magneto driving through a Quaife close ratio 5-speed gearbox. Not run for a while, it will need the normal checks before use. This is a fantastic example of one of the most iconic bikes ever made and an important part of motorcycle racing history.
