Description

Norton 500 Manx, 1952, single-cylinder 500cc

A pure, mechanical single-cylinder racer from the era when Norton dominated international road racing. Features the original Roadholder front fork (Brit. Pat. No. 557982), wire-spoked wheels, mechanical brakes, race number plate '30', and the characteristic 500cc OHC single-cylinder engine.

This Manx is built on an original 1952 frame (G11M2 43569) and assembled using factory-recorded, period-correct components as listed in the Norton Owners Club Factory Record. The motorcycle comes with an extensive documentation set, including the original Maintenance Manual, both books by Mick Walker (*Manx Norton* & Revised Edition), and the official NOC Factory Record—a rare, complete package for connoisseurs and collectors.

This motorcycle is supplied with an extensive documentation set, including:

• Maintenance Manual & Instruction Book – The Unapproachable Norton (original, vintage),

• Manx Norton – Mick Walker,

• The Manx Norton – Revised Edition – Mick Walker,

• Official Norton Owners Club Factory Record,

• Technical drawings and historical photographs from the period.

A complete package for collectors and connoisseurs.

Racing history (based on Mick Walker & historical sources)

• For years, the Manx Norton was a fixture at the Isle of Man TT, where Norton achieved countless victories and dominated the 500cc class.

• Walker links the Manx to legendary names such as Harold Daniell, Geoff Duke, John Surtees, and Mike Hailwood, who made the Manx famous worldwide.

• Norton’s 500cc machines were particularly successful during the Daytona 200 Beach Course era, a time when European racers began to consistently gain ground. • Tuners such as Francis Beart, Steve Lancefield, and Ray Petty took the Manx to the next level; Walker describes how these specialists boosted power output well beyond the factory figures.

• The combination of the OHC engine, Featherbed geometry, and Roadholder forks made the Manx a benchmark for racing motorcycles in the 1950s and 1960s.

This motorcycle therefore represents not just engineering, but an entire chapter of motorsport history.

Factory Record – Norton Owners Club (NOC)

The motorcycle comes with an official Norton Owners Club Factory Record, issued on 9 January 2019. This document confirms the original factory specifications and production details for the frame and associated components.

Key data from the Factory Record

• Model year: 30M 1952

• Dispatch date: 13 March 1952

• Frame number: G11M2 43569

• Original Shop Engine No.: OM239

• Original Gearbox No.: 19 90

• Original Fork No.: 1556

• Tester: Bennett

• Dealer: Tozer Kemsley & Milbourn (White N.23)

Subsequent factory records

• Engine No.: 30M D.O.D 29 January 1952

• Engine No.: G11M2 43556

• Shop No.: OM193

• Gearbox: 19 99

• Fork: 1108

• Tester: Smith

• Dealer: Coleman

The document emphasizes that this data is derived from the original factory sheets and is for informational purposes only, as stated by the NOC. Documentation & Books (included)

• Original Maintenance Manual & Instruction Book – The Unapproachable Norton

• Manx Norton – Mick Walker

• The Manx Norton – Revised Edition – Mick Walker

• Norton Owners Club Factory Record

• Historical photos and context from the books

A rare, complete documentation set providing historical and technical background for the motorcycle.

Specifications

• Model: Norton Manx 500

• Displacement: 500cc

• Engine configuration: Single-cylinder OHC

• Year of manufacture: 1952

• Color: Silver / Black

• Front fork: Norton Roadholder

• Wheel size: 19-inch (3.60 H 19 tire)

• Brakes: Mechanical

• Race number plate: No. 30

• Frame number: G11M2 43569 (NOC record)

Condition & Maintenance

• Motorcycle complete and in neat, classic condition

• Chain and sprockets in good condition

• Spoked wheels straight and true

• Roadholder front fork in original configuration

• Carburetor, brakes, and drivetrain functional

• Beautiful patina consistent with age

• Suitable for collectors, demonstrations, and classic motorsport

Complete with

• Original race number plate

• Classic exhaust

• Norton Owners Club Factory Record

• Maintenance Manual & Instruction Book

• Manx Norton – Mick Walker

• The Manx Norton – Revised Edition – Mick Walker

• Technical drawings and historical documentation

Condition & Registration

Registered

Ready to drive

Inspection Report

Not available

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Transparency over 128 inspection points
Condition grades for each component
Paint thickness measurement

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Technical Details

Vehicle data

Make: Norton
Model name: Manx 500
Type: Racing Motorcycle
First registration date: Not provided
Year of manufacture: 1952
Mileage (read)
Chassis number: Not provided
Engine number: Not provided
Gearbox number: Not provided
Matching numbers: No
Number of owners: Not provided
Café Racer: No

Technical details

Engine Type: 4 stroke | DOHC
Power (kW/hp): 38/51
Cubic capacity (cm³): 497
Cylinders: 1
Starter: Push start
Cooling: Air
Gearbox: Manual
Gearshift: Not provided
Gears: Not provided
Transmission: Chain
Front brakes: Not provided
Rear brakes: Not provided
Fuel type: Petrol
Curb weight (kg): Not provided

Individual Configuration

Exterior color: Silver

1952 | Norton Manx 500