Norton Model 30M Manx

Key facts

Year

1960
Country

Great Britain
Capacity

499cc
Cylinders

1
Valves

Overhead camshaft
Output

44bhp at 6,500rpm
Maximum speed

140mph/225.3kph
Performance

0-60mph 9 seconds (dependent on tuning)
Price new

£496
Loaned by

Private Owner
Manufacturer

Norton Motors Ltd, Birmingham

The Manx Norton is one of the most famous racing motorcycles of the post-war years. Norton had been very successful with single-cylinder racing bikes in the 1930s, and in the late 1940s those machines were developed into the Model 40 (350cc) and Model 30 (500cc) Manx. The new ‘featherbed’ frame was used for the works team in 1950 and was made available to customers from 1951. Limited numbers of ‘production’ bikes were built each year and sold only to chosen customers.

Many famous riders rode Manx Nortons. Mike Hailwood scored a notable victory on a privately entered Manx in the 1961 Senior TT. Parent company AMC withdrew from racing bike production that year.