Consisting of a 1961 Manx Norton frame and Triumph GP motor (‘Manx Grand Prix’) the bike featured in and on the front cover of Classic Mechanics magazine, Spring 1985 issue. The article written by the owner Leslie Boustead, recounted the story of how the machine came together as a collection of parts from various sources. When first constructed the main components consisted of the frame and engine plus a Triumph close-ratio gearbox, Norton short Road Holder forks, Tickle alloy top yoke, aluminum fuel tank and Ray Petty seat. The Manx Grand Prix was assembled by John Gleed, at one time Eddie Dow’s service manager who supplied the engine and gearbox.
The engine consists of a Manx GP top end (1950) on a later (1957/58) and much stronger 6T bottom end with a one-piece, big-bearing crankshaft running shell big-ends. Other noteworthy features include a BTH racing magneto and twin Amal Type 6 carburetors fed by a central GP float chamber. The machine features a Gremica 4 leading shoe front brake and Triumph conical hub rear wheel and brake.
The engine and gearbox were completely rebuilt in 2011 with a newer cylinder (+10), high comp pistons, valves/guides and all new bearings and seals. The forks have been serviced and a new custom cover fitted over the Newby belt drive and clutch. The bike has just been serviced and is ready for the current season.
The Manx Grand Prix goes as well as it looks and is regularly paraded at the CRMC meetings (Prembrey Easter) where it has won parade bike of the meeting on three occasions. As well as featuring in Classic Mechanics the bike and original owner appears in Triumph the Racing Story by Mike Walker. Copies of both along with a folder containing invoices from the original build and ongoing servicing will be supplied with a detailed picture history of the builds and services.