Behind the scenes at Molnar Manx

How the ‘home of the Manx Norton’ became a world leader in classic motorcycle racing

Just outside Preston in Lancashire, just off an icy M6 and deep amidst farming countryside, lies one of British motorcycling’s true gems. A purpose-designed, two-storey unit built in the grounds of a stone farm house, is home to not just the seven-strong team of Molnar Precision Limited, the business set up 25 years ago by engineer and classic expert Andy Molnar but its impressive downstairs machine shop and upstairs assembly area and stores is also the modern home to one of the most iconic and successful British motorcycles of all, the Molnar Manx Norton.

After setting up in a workshop behind his house, first making and selling fasteners before moving into parts for the likes of the Matchless G50 and AJS 7R and classic drum brakes, Molnar acquired the rights and drawings for the Manx in 1994. In 1997 his recreated Manx racers took three of the top four positions at the Manx GP leading to orders for 17 engines the next year. Expansion followed as Andy grew the business by acquiring the rights to re-manufacture the Amal GP carburettor and more and repeated investments were made into both building and machinery. This culminated with the move into the current premises in 2008 and the significant investment into CNC machines and top-end lathes. The result is a uniquely impressive facility that not only makes around 25 brand new Manx engines a year, but around 12 complete bikes, not to mention continuing G50 and 7R parts. Molnar bikes dominate classic racing around the globe, fill the paddocks at Goodwood and the Classic TT, have been campaigned by the likes of Michael Dunlop, Guy Martin and John McGuinness and

one was even bought by the late, great Barry Sheene.

“We don’t build engines to go on show in your front room, we build engines to win races,” says Andy. “About 60 per cent of what we do is magnesium, and you can take the parts we make and bolt them onto an original bike”

Now they’re starting to look beyond 1960s classics such as the Manx. “We’ve been making Manx motors for 25 years and it’s flattening off,” says Andy. “We’ll continue to look after our core market but our clientele is getting old so we have to look to the future.”

Instead something Italian and belt drive is shortly coming this way…

Molnar make around 12 complete Manx Nortons a year

Even the late, great Barry Sheene was a Molnar Manx customer

Molnar was set up by Andy Molnar and his son Richard is now on the staff Replica engines are a work of art

Molnar keep 2500 parts worth £2m in stock