Lot details

During the mid fifties Norton instituted a policy that effectively saw the works Manx Norton's performing the role of prototypes for the following seasons production models. Successful developments, proven on the track became standard features for the following season, however for some privateers these developments were too slow in coming and they turned to one of a number of specialist tuners in the search of an edge. With the end of production of the Manx in 1961/62 and Norton's withdrawal from racing, the role of the tuner became even more significant in helping the Manx maintain its position as a dominant national and successful international racing machine for privateers.

One of the leading tuners of Manx Norton's for both motorcycle racing and Formula 3 was Ray Petty. After leaving school in 1934 he served an apprenticeship in a local garage before going into aircraft engineering. He had first competed on two wheels in grasstrack on a New Imperial, a machine on which he would later secure a 5th place finish in the Lightweight TT of 1948. During the war years he worked in Vickers Armstrong's experimental department alongside Francis Beart. In 1946 he joined Francis Beart as his assistant at Byfleet, where he stayed for nine years. During the late forties and early fifties he competed with considerable success, particularly in the 250 class for which he built a lightweight Manx. In 1955 he established his own workshop, preparing engines for riders such as Frank Perris. His philosophy for engine preparation for customers was to avoid the experimental, relying instead on the careful assembly of standard Norton components and ensuring their correct "set up" enabling them to perform at their maximum, a policy that brought considerable success. He was happy to experiment on his own machines with those developments that were successful then become available for customers.

The 500 Manx offered dates from 1960 and according to the vendor, was originally prepared by Ray Petty. It was recently restored by the well known specialist Franz Schleifer, who has maintained it since for the vendor. It is described by the vendor as being in "perfect running condition" and is presented to a very high standard.