Opis
This motorcycle is Lot 315 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Autumn Stafford Sale (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show) on October 10th – 11th, please see the Bonhams Motorcycles Website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 201 - 407 are to be sold from 11AM local time on Sunday 11th October 2026.
Public Viewing:
Available 10th & 11th October 2026 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Staffordshire County Showground (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show).
Lot 315
Offered from The John Surtees Family Collection
c. 1952 Norton 500cc Petty Manx
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. Unumbered
Engine no. Unumbered
Ray Petty (19201987) was one of the most influential figures in Norton's post-war racing history. A pre-war Brooklands racer, he competed in the Isle of Man TT between 1948 and 1954 before focusing on tuning and preparation. From his Farnborough workshops he built an international reputation, preparing machines for many leading riders but most famously for Derek Minter, whose Petty-tuned Norton singles secured five British Championships between 1962 and 1966. Petty's engines also carried Percy May to victory in the 1971 British 500cc Championship, the last to be won by a single-cylinder machine.
Always innovating, Petty later turned to frame design, producing a limited run of lightweight T45-tubed chassis that kept the Manx competitive on short circuits well into the 1970s. His death in 1987 saw Summerfield Engineering take over and continue his Manx parts and preparation business. Petty's name remains synonymous with meticulous Norton preparation and sustained racing success.
According to documents on file, this Manx's engine is believed to be one of the last units prepared by Petty. Furthermore, the machine is said to incorporate a number of desirable works features, including a reinforced subframe, top fork yoke, and steering damper. The accompanying file also contains copious handwritten notes and parts invoices relating to the Norton's restoration, suggesting that the rebuild was carried out circa 2015/ 2016, shortly before John's death in 2017. The machine's earlier history is not known.
Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning and/ or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the track and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding.
£15, 000 - 20, 000
All lots are sold ‘as is/ where is’ and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness, mileage, engine capacity and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
