These 2 unique competition Norton machines with history (top model Manx and bottom model Daytona) have been added to Bonhams third annual motorcycle auction at Quail Lodge in Carmel on May 14th, 2011. The 1959 Norton Manx 500 and 1956 Norton Daytona 500 will be in good company as they join a line-up of bikes that includes Steve McQueen’s 1971 Husqvarna.
Perhaps the most iconic of Norton’s models, the Manx, named for the ancient dialect spoken by the inhabitants of the Isle of Man, the location of the world’s most renowned motorcycle race, was made for one purpose: speed. This Manx is an AFM/ACA National championship winner ridden to victory in the 1960s by Buddy Parriot, the first American to ever win GP points – on this very bike – and who once came in second on a Norton only to the legendary Mike Hailwood. Moreover, Parriot had this bike serviced by expert Clarence Czysz, whom the Motorcyclist called “one of America’s greatest tuners.” In the Parriot family ownership for 48 years and only ever ridden by Buddy, this race bike underwent a complete ground-up restoration just a few years ago by famous Norton racer Tony Murphy and is in authentic and perfect condition.
This Norton Daytona was made by the Norton factory specifically to race on the ocean sands of Daytona Beach, Florida. The Daytona model is indeed unique and rare too, since only a handful of these purpose-built \racers was ever created. It has been in the same family ownership for a half-century and was campaigned extensively in AMA and AFM amateur races, including Daytona, earning several documented podium placements.
Consignments for auction are still being accepted for a limited time and interested sellers may call 415-391-4000 or e-mail usacars@bonhams.com. To order a catalog and register to bid as a buyer in this auction – in person or remotely, the same contact methods apply. Bonhams.
Very cool bikes. Not a wrinkle.
Oh so nice!
-nicker-
Sweet!
The best of british,simply love the nortons.