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• Auction House:
  Mossgreen
• Sale Name:
  Collectors’ Cars, Motorcycles & Automobilia
• Sale Date:
  27 Nov 2016 ~ 2.30pm
• Lot #:
  62
• Lot Description:
  1952 MANX NORTON 350CC FEATHERBED
  Frame no: K11M2; Engine no: G10M2
• Notes:
  The Norton Motorcycle Company has a long and glorious history. From the first TT at the Isle of Man in 1907 when Rem Fowler won the twin-cylinder class, to Brooklands in 1914 where a Norton set a 500cc world record at 81 mph, and then right through the 1920s in Grand Prix racing - Norton set the pace. Norton was a small company and ran on the smell of an oily rag, but despite this, the team, first headed by Stanley Wood and later by Jimmy Guthrie, won an astounding 78 out of 92 350cc and 500cc Grands Prix. The development of the Manx racing motorcycle was a great leap forward in the company's endeavours and its dogged determination to win races. The name Manx was first used for the Grand Prix model from 1936-1940, a race-tuned version of the International roadster. Following World War II, Grand Prix was removed from the model designation and the 1947 racing model became The Manx. These factory race bikes, under team manager Joe Craig, were experimental racers and were only available to selected customers. In 1950, the McCandless Brothers' Featherbed frame was utilised and the Manx moved in to a new era with the frame giving the superior handling necessary for high speed manoeuvrability. During this dynamic post-World War II period, the much-revered Geoff Duke won eight World Championships on Nortons. He was awarded an OBE for services to motorcycling in 1953. Manx engines have been used in every discipline of motorcycling involving speed and endurance, from solo road-racers, rear-engine hill-climb cars to road-racing outfits. 1962 was the last full year for the production Manx with as few as 42 produced in the final wind-up between November 1962 and January 1963. This genuine Featherbed Manx chassis has been upgraded during its life with the strong and desirable 350cc Summerfield Manx engine and is therefore a typical non-matching number race bike. It was used in club-level racing and was last ridden in the 1980's. The engine has been prepared for dry storage and is currently set up for display so it is ready to proudly adorn any study or corporate foyer. The engine's cubic capacity has been verified by measure. This desirable motorcycle can easily be made ready for club level racing again (fresh oils and tyres) and presents an appealing opportunity to acquire a beautiful Manx Norton with a very approachable auction estimate range. Our research has not uncovered any notable competition victories. This combined with a weak Australian dollar makes this Manx a very good buy when compared on the global stage. This motorcycle will be sold unregistered
• Estimate:
  A$30,000 - 40,000
• Realised Price:
  *****
  

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• Category:
  Automobiles & Accessories

This Sale has been held and this item is no longer available. Details are provided for information purposes only.