1956 Norton Manx Model 40M 348cc

Description

This lot will be auctioned by Iconic Auctioneers at The Iconic Motorcycle Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show 2026 on Sunday the 15th of November, NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT. The price indicated is the lower estimate. Please note we are unable to offer part exchange or finance. Description: One of the most famous racing motorcycles of all time and named after the Manx Grand Prix,Launched initially in 1939 as an 'over the counter' race bike in either 350cc or 500cc spec and in production until the end of 1962,Developed continuously throughout its lifetime with the additions of double overhead-camshaft engines and 'featherbed' frames,This 1956 Model 40M 350cc is presented in very good overall condition,Factory records (copy included in the lot) show the bike was despatched to Hallett Wincheap in November 1956,Derek Minter was, at the time, a privateer and racing his BSA Gold Star. He was subsequently offered the opportunity to race a 350 and 500 Norton Manx by Wincheap Garage,This bike is believed to be the 350 Norton Manx of the two bikes supplied to Hallets for Wincheap Garage,Minter raced the 350 and 500 bikes throughout the 1957 season, winning at Brands Hatch on the 350 and entering his first international Grand Prix at Assen and Spa,Derek also raced at the 1957 Isle of Man, finishing 14th in the Junior TT and won the British 350 Championship that year,At the end of the 1957 season the bike was sold to Geoff Duke who, along with other bikes, raced it in the 1958 season,Prepared for Geoff by Reg Dearden along with other machines during the season and is possibly the Silverstone race-winning machine,Over the years the bike has been modified with a Bosch magneto, Seeley five-speed gearbox, improved four-leading-shoe front brake, enclosed valve springs and replacement engine crank cases (stamped with the original engine number),Previous owners had the bike displayed in a museum for numerous years, however, our vendor has recommissioned the bike and had it running recently,Complete with a history file containing copy VMCC factory records, detailed history of Derek Minter, copy of the history of Hallets of Canturbury compiled by Marcel Hallet and containing various photographs and a letter from Marcel Hallet with reference to Derek Minter,Running recently, would benefit from some basic recommissioning before track use,Great opportunity to purchase a Norton Manx with a great history,Potential bidders must satisfy themselves before bidding with the bike's originality and provenance,Not UK road-registered,

Electronic Stability Program (ESP); Safety Belt Pretensioners; Tuning