Estimated Price: £15,000 - £20,000
- One of the most famous racing motorcycles of all time and named after the Manx Grand Prix
- Launched initially in 1939 as an 'over the counter' race bike in either 350cc or 500cc spec and in production until the end of 1962
- Developed continuously throughout its lifetime with the additions of double overhead-camshaft engines and 'featherbed' frames
- This, 1956 Model 40M 350cc model, is presented in very good overall condition
- Factory records (copy included in the lot) show the bike was despatched to Hallett Wincheap in November 1956
- Derek Minter was, at the time, a privateer and racing his BSA Gold Star. He was subsequently offered the opportunity to race a 350 and 500 Norton Manx by Wincheap Garage.
- This bike is believed to be the 350 Norton Manx of the two bikes supplied to Hallets for Wincheap Garage
- Minter raced the 350 and 500 bikes throughout the 1957 season, winning at Brands Hatch on the 350 and entering his first international Grand Prix at Assen and Spa
- Derek also raced at the 1957 Isle of Man, finishing 14th in the Junior TT and won the British 350 Championship that year
- At the end of the 1957 season the bike was sold to Geoff Duke who, along with other bikes, raced it in the 1958 season
- Prepared for Geoff by Reg Dearden along with other machines during the season and is possibly the Silverstone race-winning machine
- Over the years the bike has been modified with a Bosch magneto, Seeley 5-speed gearbox, improved 4-leading-shoe front brake, enclosed valve springs and replacement engine crank cases (stamped with the original engine number)
- Previous owners had the bike displayed in a museum for numerous years, however, our vendor has recommissioned the bike and had it running recently
- Complete with a history file containing copy VMCC factory records, detailed history of Derek Minter, copy of the history of Hallets of Canturbury compiled by Marcel Hallet and containing various photographs and a letter from Marcel Hallet with reference to Derek Minter
- Running recently, would benefit from some basic recommissioning before track use
- Great opportunity to purchase a Norton Manx with a great history
- Potential bidders must satisfy themselves before bidding with the bike's originality and provenance
- Not UK-registered
- Body Types
- Transmission
- Exterior ColourOTHER
- Interior Colour
