Craigslist Deal O' the Day: 1953 Norton Manx 350

John Burns
by John Burns

Say, wasn’t I just saying the other day that you may need a nice Norton Manx without even being aware of your condition? Lo and behold, here’s one for sale in the LA area. $42k may be a bit steep, but Craigslist is all about haggling like the Tijuana Debutante Ball. How low of an offer can I make before you will feign being insulted? Will you throw in the drip pan? Would you be willing to consider a Motorola dial-up modem or lightly used iron lung in trade?

The ad reads: “This 350 Manx was purchased from Bernie Allen in England in 2002 by Mile Anderson. He raced the bike with the last outing at Pukekohe, New Zealand where Mike won all of his 3 races. This is a fast and reliable 350!!!

I purchased the bike from Bob Allen in 2009. Bob looked after it during some of its racing career (pictured) and restored the bike before I took delivery. The bike was displayed in Bob’s shop before I purchased it.

The bike has not been used after returning from New Zealand in 2003. The bike with this frame #52951 was dispatched to Denis Parkinson in Wakefield, England, in 1953. Manufacture date on frame is 6-53.

The first research I have been able to put together is this was most likely used by Denis Parkinson to win the senior Manx GP on September 1953. Original motor is not with the bike at this time.

Much thanks goes to Mr. Paul Adams whom has always been ready to help with Manx information.”

Frame #52951
Engine #82770
Gearbox #PGT MX 1483 (5-speed)
Coil spring valve conversion
1962 Manx 4LS front brake
Works ultra light shocks w/ Ti shafts
Modified front damper units
5 gallon tank
Belt drive primary
19″ wheels
McIntosh rear stand

Here’s the rest of the ad over on C’list, where there’s also a tasty zero-miles Honda CBX in another guy’s rumpus room in San Diego.

John Burns
John Burns

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