The annual Stafford sale of classic collectors’ motorcycles at the weekend saw most of the 436 lots on offer sold but the 350cc Norton put in the top performance reaching £61,980. Not only was this more than double its top pre-sale estimate but it also set a new world record price for a Manx Norton sold at auction.

The bike, a 1966 model, had been prepared by legendary tuner Francis Beart and raced by Joe Dunphy and Keith Heckles.

The Manx Norton was made from 1947 to 1962 and contested every Isle of Man TT race from the inaugural 1907 event through into the 1970s, a feat unrivalled by any other manufacturer.

Norton’s first use of the name ‘Manx’ was applied to the ‘Manx Grand Prix’ model available from 1936-1940, a special racing version of their ‘International’ roadster, with telescopic forks, magnesium for the crankcases and no provision for lighting. The Manx Norton was delayed by the outbreak of World War II but emerged for the 1946 Manx Grand Prix.

Racer Geoff Duke rode for the Norton works team in the 1950 TT, finishing second in the Junior TT and breaking both lap and race records in the Senior TT. After winning three World Championships for Norton, he moved to Italian manufacturer, Gilera in 1953.

A modern Molnar Norton Manx, prepared by Fred Walmsley for the late World Champion Barry Sheene sold for £55,200 at the same sale. Bruce Anstey rode a Ken MacIntosh Manx Norton Norton at this year’s Classic TT.



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