1950 Norton Manx Racer
1950 Norton Manx Racer
Please note: It’s been brought to my attention that the text content as printed on this card is inaccurate. The text below is what was printed on the back of the card by Atlas Editions.
In 1901, James Lansdowne Norton created the world famous Norton motorcycles firm in Birmingham and earned respect as “The Father of the Motorcycle Industry” for his accomplishments up to his death in 1925. From its beginnings on to current time with the new rotary racers, Norton has held honors as one of the world’s great motorcycle marques. Much of its renown is due to the great successes of its Manx racer.
The Garden Gate Manx
The Manx traces its roots back to 1927, when Norton engineer Walter Moore redesigned the firm’s current motor with an overhead camshaft as the CS1, or Cam Shaft One, racing motorcycle. The CS1 promptly won the Isle of Man Senior 500cc Tourist Trophy race and, with continual development, continued to battle for Senior and Junior 350cc TT honors. In 1936, the Manx frame was reworked and plunger rear suspension was added. The new bike was nicknamed the “Garden Gate” model.
The Featherbed Manx
By 1949, the Manx needed a drastic update to keep it competitive with the new AJS, Velocette, and Italian Gilera racers. This came in the form of the duplex Featherbed frame created by Irishman Rex McCandless using a swing-arm rear and telescopic forks at front. From 1946 to 1947, the first production racer Manx was sold to privateers as either the 30M with 499cc or the 40M with 348cc. In 1949, the first double-overhead-camshaft models were available to privateers, although the factory racers had used dohc earlier. From 1954 to 1962, the engines, gearboxes, and frames were constantly developed.
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine: 1265ccn7.21 cu in (69×81 mm) inline 4-cylinder
Power Rating: 40 hp
Transmission: 3-speed hand-shift
Chassis: duplex tube
Suspension: (front) leaf spring; (rear) plunger
Brakes: drum brakes front and rear
Wheels: 18 in; 16 in optional
Weight: 568lb
Top Speed: 90 mph
The Norton Manx won eight world championships during its career, including two 350cc crowns, one 500cc, and no less than five sidecar victory.
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