1946 Norton Manx (40M)
VIC • Private
24
1
CategoryCompetition
Engine Size348cc 4 stroke
Comments from the seller
1946 Manx Norton with extensive history.
Original engine, frame, and gearbox as they left the factory on 14th August 1946. Verified by the Norton Owners Club.
Raced to 10th in the 1946 Junior Manx GP (wearing number 57) and 26th in the 1946 Senior Manx GP (wearing number 37) by J.E.C. (John) Purnell. He was touted as the find of the season in The Motor Cycle and MotorCycling magazines of the day. I have video footage of John starting the Junior race and also further along the track.
John also finished 2nd in the 1947 North West 200, though he adamantly maintained he finished 1st and that the declared winner had completed one few too many laps. The contemporary reports agreed that the scorers were having a dreadful time keeping track of the riders due to the weather conditions. The plates the bike is currently wearing bear the number he raced under for that race (39). I have a magazine photo showing John during the start.
John finished 3rd in the 1947 Manx GP, riding a Velocette KTT, and 15th in the Senior.
For 1948 John was sponsored by the famous entrant Reg Dearden and rode the Norton in the Junior (wearing number 58) and Senior TT (wearing number 70) races, though he retired with a burst oil tank in the Junior and crashed out of the Senior. I have attached video footage of John with a commentary and mention by name by Graham Walker (Murray Walker's father). I should add that copyright of that video belongs to Duke Media: the clip being taken from their video of the 1948 TT.
In 1949, John's last season of motorcycle racing, he rode an AJS 7R in the Junior TT and the Manx in the Senior TT (wearing number 7). Those races were the first year of what we now know as MotoGP. Again, I have video footage of John coming through Ramsay on the Norton.
After he retired John went onto become the Production Manager at Aston Martin during the 1950s. His family still have all the Isle of Man trophies and medals, together with a number of other trophies from his race successes.
He had begun his race career at Donington Park in 1939 before WWII intervened. During the war John was the Production Manager at a major munitions factory.
I have a number of original programmes from John's race meetings together with a large collection of The Motor Cycle and MotorCycling magazines from the same races. I am also regularly in contact with his family in the UK.
I also have a spare, reconditioned Dolls Head Gearbox with kickstart shaft,more suited to road use, plus a new valve spring fitting tool for the SOHC engine.
This is a rare opportunity to become the custodian of what is a wonderfully authentic motorcycle with a very interesting history.
Bike details
øNetwork Id
SSE-AD-19892639
Bike
Competition Manual 4sp 350cc (Jan)
Body
Competition
Colour
Silver
Engine Capacity
348 cc
Cost of financeSponsored
Configuration
348cc, 4-stroke, Air cooled, Bevel, DOHC, 1-cyl
Country of Origin
UNITED KINGDOM
Roadworthy certificate
No
Details
Bike Type
Competition
Series
Manx
LAMS Approved
False
Colours
Black & Silver enamel with chrome plating
Country of Origin
UNITED KINGDOM
Grey Import
True
Is Limited Edition
False
Engine
Engine Description
350
Engine Config
Vertical
Engine Capacity
348cc
Engine Type
Piston
Engine Stroke
4
Bore
76.0mm
Stroke
76.7mm
Cam Type
DOHC (Double Over Head Cam)
Cylinders
1
Induction System
Aspirated
Carburettor(s)
1
Carburettor
Amal weir
Cooling
Air
Start
Ignition Description
Lucas rotating magnet magneto
Fuel & Emissions
Fuel Type
Petrol
Recommended RON
91
Transmission
Primary Drive
Chain
Drive Type
Chain
Gear Type
Manual
Gear Number
4
Clutch Type
3-plate
Chassis & Suspension
Frame Material
Double loop steel tubular
Front Suspension
Roadholder telescopic fork
Rear Suspension
Hydraulic, damped shock absorbers
Brakes
Front Brake Description
Twin leading shoe (Drum)
Front Brake Diameter
203.1mm
Rear Brake Description
Drum
Rear Brake Diameter
177.7mm
ABS
Not Available
Wheels & Tyres
Wheel Type
Serrated rims, light alloy hubs, Laced/Spokes
Rear Tyre
3.5x19"
Front Tyre
3.00x19"
Dimensions & Weights
Seating Capacity
1
Convenience
Seating Position
Forward
Ian is the sellerLocation
Longford, VIC 3851
Member since
2011
Verified information
Phone number
Government ID
Get in touch with the seller
ø Specifications have been sourced from Automotive Data Services Pty Ltd (Redbook) and are based on manufacturer standard features and specifications, some of which may require subscription. Actual features and specifications for this vehicle may differ. Please confirm these details with the seller.
‡ This is an estimated figure calculated with reference to ADR 81/02 and is made on the assumption the vehicle is at maximum factory fuel/energy capacity. It does not take into account factors such as individual driving habits, terrains and driving conditions which may vary depending on the driver and the vehicle.
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