1956 Norton 348cc Manx Model 40M Frame no. 10M 70782 Engine no. 70782 (see text)

1956 Norton 348cc Manx Model 40M Frame no. 10M 70782 Engine no. 70782 (see text) • Believed Ex-Derek Minter and Geoff Duke • Seeley PGT 5 speed gearbox • Four leading shoe front brake • Enclosed valve springs • Bosch magneto Norton factory records obtained by the current owner confirm that this machine was despatched to Hallets of Canterbury on 23rd November 1956. It was the final 1956 model 40 Manx to leave the factory. The records for this machine, in the section for Agent/Dealer/Remarks, state 'Hallets Wincheap' which confirms that this bike is one of the two Manx Nortons (a 350 and a 500) despatched to Hallets for Wincheap Garage who sponsored Derek Minter for the 1957 season. There is also further documentation from the great granddaughter of the founder Ray Hallet included in the documentation to confirm this. No other manufacturer has ever been so closely associated with racing motorcycles, and overhead cam engines in particular, as has Norton. To the extent that they named a machine (the Manx) after the home of the races in which they had experienced such huge success over a period of time. The privateer racer's machine of choice, for those who could afford it, was the all-conquering Manx Norton, which, if the rider was sufficiently skilled, could more or less deliver decent results straight out of the box. Offered in 350 and 500 capacities, they were priced the same, being identical in cycle parts, and differing only in the swept volume and details such as carburettor size and gearing. Derek Minter began his road racing career in 1953, and by 1956 was riding a BSA Gold Star provided for him by his employers at the time, Hallets of Canterbury. By the end of the 1956 racing season Derek found himself without a ride for the forthcoming year. At that stage he was still a privateer without a factory contract, trying to make his name on the race circuits to attract the attention of the big boys in the business. Out of the blue, a local motor dealership, Wincheap Garage, offered to fund a pair of Manx Nortons, a 350 and a 500, for Minter to race the following season. These machines enabled him to further demonstrate his natural talent on the racetrack. The machine offered here is believed to be one of those two bikes. The superb versatility of the Manx meant that it depended not only on the skill of the rider on board, but also came down to those magicians of the spanners known as 'tuners' - the likes of Beart, Petty and Dearden, who sought endlessly for tiny increases of power here and there, and, in doing so, with a few wins under their belts, acquired almost supernatural status. Such a man was Steve Lancefield, who was drafted into the Wincheap/Minter team for engine and machine preparation. The two Manxes facilitated the step from capable club-level racer to international superstar racer. An exceptional talent, Minter was soon into his stride with his pair of pukka Norton racers and, after a few races to find his feet, was quickly into winning ways, scoring a couple of first places on the 350 at Brands Hatch. Other results on the bike included his first Grand Prix outings at Assen and Spa, and another six first places, the majority at Brands, and was also highly placed at other circuits. He finished 14th in the Junior TT and ended the season as 350cc British Champion, and was 8th in the 350cc World Championship. Following the 1957 season Minter's 350 Manx was sold to Geoff Duke in mid-March 1958, as chronicled in the press of the time. It is likely that the bike was used extensively at the start of that season, and that later in the year both the rolling chassis and the engine were used at different times, and with various other chassis and engine combinations as the season progressed, as Duke also used his own lightweight chassis and some factory engines. It is probable that the ex-Minter Manx became known as one of the 'Dearden Manxes' used that season, as Dearden had been recruited by Duke for machine preparation. What is certain is that the bike played some part in Geoff ultimately finishing third in the 350cc World Championship in 1958, and may possibly be the machine on which he won at Silverstone, beating Bob McIntyre, and also finished 5th in the Belgian Grand Prix and 3rd in the Italian Grand Prix. At some point this bike has, as one would expect with a racing machine, undergone changes, improvements and modifications to enhance its performance, make it more reliable, and generally more user-friendly. These include the enclosed coil spring conversion (a favourite Duke modification), the four leading shoe front brake, the Bosch magneto, and the Seeley PGT AMC-type five speed gearbox. At some time also the engine has evidently had a replacement set of crankcases stamped with the original engine number. It is rare that a machine with a potential history such as this comes to the market, having conceivably been in the possession of not just one, but two of the greatest riders this country, or the world, has ever known. 70782 was purchased from Miles Robinson by the former owner's father some years ago, and it is known he discussed the bike's history with the late Mick Walker, who accessed factory records to check the history. Prospective bidders should satisfy themselves with regard to the machine's provenance prior to bidding. The Manx has not been started, or used, in recent times, having been on museum display during the present ownership. It will, therefore, require careful re-commissioning and safety checks before future use with a new owner. Key not required Footnotes: All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. 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