Bracebridge Street had prepared a new single cam over the counter racing motorcycle for the 1939 season, unfortunately the release was delayed due to the international situation, with the new model eventually becoming available during 1946. The machine continued in its initial form, with "Roadholder" forks and plunger rear suspension until 1949 and the introduction of the "double knocker" engine. 1950 saw the works riders mounted on machines equipped with a new frame designed by Rex McCandless which was quickly dubbed the "featherbed". The new pivoted fork frame retained the Norton "Roadholder" forks and a revised production Manx utilising the new frame became available to the paying public for the 1951 season. Continual development by the factory and the tuning expertise of a number of talented individuals kept the Manx at the forefront of international and national racing throughout the 1950's and `60's into the early seventies, whilst the growth in interest in classic racing during the early eighties provided further opportunities for the Manx to compete.
This example was completely rebuilt by renowned tuner Ray Petty during 1972, at which time an ex Reg Dearden/ex Norton race Shop engine was fitted, numbered with Ray Petty's own stamping. The engine was equipped with an outside flywheel and a titanium con-rod and breathed through an Amal 1 3/8th inch GP2 carburettor fitted using a specially manufactured venturi. Whilst in Mr Petty's ownership it was ridden by Derek Minter, Dan Shorey and others. In 1988 it was sold to Adrian Sellers who retained it until 1997 when it moved into the vendor's ownership.
During the next nine years it was raced at most of the British mainland circuits, at the Dundrod Ulster Grand Prix and in the INCA series during 2000. When not racing in Europe the machine was campaigned by the vendor in the North American AHRMA series between 1998 and 2006, notably securing a 5th place finish in the March 2006 Premier Race at Daytona and taking fourth overall with its rider in the 1999 AHRMA National Championship in 1999.
Finished in the traditional silver and black Norton livery it is equipped with a five speed Petty PGT/Norton gearbox and full fairing. It is described by the vendor as being race prepared throughout and is accompanied by correspondence substantiating its provenance.
PLEASE NOTE: The vendor has informed us of the following:
Engine - ex works, special cam shaft, new big end, carillo rod, new liner, new piston & valve springs, 13/8" carburettor, running on 10/60 fully synthetic oil
Bike prepared and ready to race, classic club registration, American History Legal, engine just run in, complete with 3 gallon short circuit tank LYTA, Silencer - UK legal.
Extensively ridden by Derek Minter and latterly by Dan Shorey. This was Ray's favourite bike on which both riders had many wins and championships and was extensively ridden in Isle of Man and elsewhere
The motorcycle has completed only 50 miles since the engine was completely overhauled to include:
new Summerfield big end, Carillo con-rod, new liner and pistons, new valves and coil springs, the crankshaft was rebuilt by Jerry Summerfield and all new parts were supplied by Summerfield Engineering.
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