Description
This motorcycle is Lot 391 - To be auctioned by Bonhams at The Spring Stafford Sale (The International Classic MotorCycle Show) on 26th & 27th April, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 101 - 147 are to be sold from 14:00 on Saturday 26th April 2025.
Lots 201 - 410 are to be sold from 11:00 on Sunday 27th April 2025.
Public Viewing:
Available 26th & 27th April 2025 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Stafford County Showground (The International Classic MotorCycle Show).
Lot 391
1960 Norton 500cc Manx Model 30
Registration no. 549 UXF
Frame no. R11M86361 (see text)
Engine no. none visible (see text)
Road registered
Believed fitted with a short-stroke Molnar engine
Five-speed gearbox with Hemmings internals
The private vendor advises us that this Manx was dispatched to Australia in 1960, returning three years later to the UK where it was bought by a Graham Bentman. The Norton was raced in the Manx Grand Prix for around eight years before being purchased by Harry Whitehouse, whose name was synonymous with Manx Nortons in Classic racing, in the early 1970s. Harry's notes trace the bike's racing history during the mid-1990s, including many race and championship wins when ridden by Doug Jones and subsequently by Stuart Tonge. The Manx was ridden by Stuart (we believe) at the Goodwood Revival and also by Stan Woods and Dave Aldana. The machine's last races were at Goodwood and Donington Park in 2004.
In 2004 the Manx was sold to Jim Brown, who is believed only rode it occasionally on the road. The machine was sold to the current vendor in 2013, since when it has been paraded at a number of race meetings and displayed at numerous bike shows. Harry Whitehouse's notes detail various changes of engine; the vendor believes the unit currently fitted is a short-stroke Molnar unit 'SEC 023', although the number is not visible. Other notable features include five-speed gearbox with Hemmings internals; Newby racing clutch; Mitsubishi magneto; twin-leading-shoe front brake; and a choice of either low- or high-level exhausts. Offered with a current V5C. It should be noted, the frame number displays evidence of overstamping, Accordingly prospective bidders must satisfy themselves as to the origins and authenticity of the machine's component parts prior to bidding.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
