Lot details Registration No: N/A Frame No: 10M81962 Engine No: 69304 cc: 500 MOT Expiry Date: N/A
The 1954 Manx established the design for the machine that would continue, with detail developments, to the end of the models production in 1962. The frame adopted a welded on sub-frame and the front brake became a twin leading shoe design.The engine dimensions were changed to 86 x 85.8mm for the 500cc version (76 x 76.85 for the 350cc). Larger valves and a shortened con-rod were employed in the engine whilst externally the cam drive tube was housed within the finning of a new cylinder head that was graced with revised fining. From 1955 the factory team used production based machines incorporating developments intended for the following seasons production models rather than "works specials" as had previously been the case. Whilst this may have been detrimental to the works riders at the highest levels of international competition it undoubtedly was of benefit to privateers at all levels, developments proven by the factory team were incorporated into the customer machines for the following season starting with the 1956 models.
The developments incorporated into the 1956 machines included a revised timing side bearing and extended primary drive guard, 1957 saw the introduction of a sleeved big end, a larger carburettor and subtle revisions to the cycle parts. The major change for 1958 centred on the transmission with the AMC gearbox being fitted and was followed in 1959 with detail revisions to the clutch and engine which benefited from further revisions for 1960 and 1961.
The example offered, although not a matching numbers machine is associated with two riders whose names will be more than familiar. The chassis formed part of a 350cc 40M fitted with gearbox number 1069 that left Bracebridge Street during March 1959 destined for multiple World Sidecar Champion and TT winner Eric Oliver who bought for a MR Woods to ride. The engine was supplied to Briants of Biggleswade during April 1959 and was used by Alaistair King. The machine is presented for sale to a very high standard and would make a worthy addition to any collection.
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