1958 Manx Norton 30M, 499cc. Registration number not registe...

Estimate

£20,000 - £25,000

1958 Manx Norton 30M, 499cc. Registration number not registered. Frame number N11 M 76909. Engine number N11 M 53. Gearbox number 7R 1662.
While in recent times the Commando was arguably the firm's most charismatic machine there's no doubt, historically, that the Manx will be Norton's best-remembered model. Today nobody is precisely sure how such a compatible name was first applied, although an apocryphal story from the mid-1930s credits the firm's Despatch Dept, on the point of shipping a batch of 'cammy' racers to a group of customers in the Isle of Man. These customers, racers all, were anxiously awaiting their new race steeds. Norton's transport manager had reputedly stenciled the destination (i.e. M-A-N-X) on each machine's cardboard packing, prior to loading the truck bound for Liverpool docks! And, so the story goes, a not unobservant Sales Dept fortuitously adopted the Manx nomenclature very soon after!
The Manx was developed to win the Isle of Man TT from single overhead cam international racers by Norton racing team engineer Joe Craig. The double overhead cam configuration was developed in 1937 and after many problems perfected one year later. The Manx was delayed by the outbreak of World War II but reemerged for the 1946 Manx Grand Prix. The motorcycle was upgraded with new telescopic forks and in 1948 gained twin leading shoe brakes. In 1950 the innovative Featherbed frame was developed, giving the Manx a significant competitive advantage through a low centre of gravity and short wheelbase that was perfectly suited the challenging island TT course. The all-welded, tubular featherbed frame was light and trim, without the usual forgings that added unnecessary weight. In 1950, the featherbed Manx recorded a double hat-trick of podium positions at the TT. The Manx engine was redesigned in 1953 with a much shorter stroke of 86.0 mm × 85.6 mm (3.39 in × 3.37 in) to improve the rev range.
Norton withdrew from the TT in 1954 but the Manx remained popular with privateer's for many years to come in 30M (500cc) or 40M (350cc) guise.
This machine is recorded by the Norton Owners club as have being built in 1957 for the 1958 season for Bailey of Holmfirth in Yorkshire. By 2011 it was with a Mr Maynard and our vendor acquired it soon afterwards. He spent some time fine tuning it with a new Molnar PVL ignition system magneto in 2014 at a cost of £966, the gearbox was reconditioned and the clutch received new friction plates. Used in local events he is no longer using it and has decided to let a new owner enjoy this iconic bike.
Sold with the Norton Owners Club certificate, various receipts and literature. A YouTube video is available; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Lr7x7jYKAU.