1961 NORTON MODEL 30M MANX

This lovely Manx Norton has been owned since 1961 by vendor Monty Buxton. Monty raced the Norton on both short circuits and at the TT, where he competed in 1961, ’63 and ’64. Monty called time on racing in 1964, but the bike remained active in the hands of Tony Ward, Barry Randle (who finished third in the 1968 Senior TT on the bike) and Peter Elmore. Its final competitive outings were in the Manx GP classic races between 1991-95.

For much of its competitive life, the engine preparation was entrusted to legendary Norton tuner Ray Petty and some of his handwritten notes are included in the sale. In 2011, the bike underwent restoration by renowned Manx Norton specialists Summerfield Engineering, at which time it was fitted with a four-leading-shoe front brake, a belt primary drive, Maxton rear shocks, a six-speed gearbox and converted to enclosed valve springs. It has also been fitted with replacement crankcases (stamped 204) at some stage. Little used since 2011, the bike will require some recommissioning for the track, but should make an excellent classic era race bike. It is estimated to make £18,000-22,000.