1960 Norton 500cc Model 30 Manx Racing Motorcycle

•Offered from long-term family ownership
• Not seen in public for over 40 years
• Possible Steve Lancefield connection

"With a history stretching back almost to the very dawn of motorcycling itself, the Norton single is without doubt the greatest of all the over-the-counter production racers." - Mick Walker, Manx Norton.

Dubbed 'Manx Grand Prix' in 1939, what would become the best-known racing motorcycle of all time had become simply 'Manx' when production resumed in 1946. Norton's over-the-counter Manx racers were much the same as their pre-war counterparts, with single-overhead-camshaft engine, 'square' cylinder head finning, upright gearbox and plunger-suspended 'garden gate' frames. Only the presence of the Roadholder telescopic front fork readily distinguished them from the '39 machines. 1949 brought the first significant change in engine specification, the Manx gaining a double-overhead-camshaft 'head like that enjoyed by the works bikes for many years, but the major development was the arrival of the Featherbed frame for 1951. The works' adoption of the McCandless-designed duplex-loop swinging-arm chassis the previous year had given the Nortons a new lease of life in Grand Prix racing, and Geoff Duke duly took both the 350 and 500cc world titles in 1951. The cycle parts remained essentially unchanged from then on apart from the adoption of a double-sided, twin-leading-shoe front brake for 1962. Manx engine development, though, continued steadily, latterly under Doug Hele's direction, until production ceased at the end of '62, among the most significant design changes being the adoption of 'square' bore and stroke dimensions for 1954 and coarser-pitch bevel teeth in 1957. Loved and admired by all that have ridden one, the Manx Norton in its many forms is a mainstay of today's classic racing scene.

It is believed that this example was previously in the ownership of Manchester-based racing bike collector Norman Pickup. Pickup later relocated to Poole in Dorset, and in the early 1980s sold five racing motorcycles to Captain Ivan Forshaw. Captain Forshaw was known throughout the world through his company specialising in early Lagondas and Aston Martins, but also had a passion for motorcycles (Bonhams most recently sold the collection of speedway machines he and his son Richard had assembled together as well as the ex-works, Mike Hailwood, 1960 Ducati 125cc Desmodromic 'Barcone' Grand Prix Racing Motorcycle (Stafford, April 2023)). Captain Forshaw died aged 95 years in 2006 and the Norton has remained in the family collection until now.

Featuring a nickel-plated frame, Ray Petty modified front brake, and Lucas competition magneto, this characterful example was, according to the Forshaw family, ex-Mike Hailwood. Indeed, it was supplied on the 14th May 1959 to King's of Manchester – part of Stan Hailwood's business interests. And the date of dispatch would suggest it was destined for the TT. However, there is no evidence in the factory records that this was a machine supplied for Hailwood to ride. The engine number is a non-standard factory stamp, the 'SLK' suggesting that this might be a Steve Lancefield engine.

Following a period of inactivity, the machine will require safety checks and recommissioning and/or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before further use. Key not required.
Key not required