Objects of Desire - Ken Taylor / Manx Norton

Ok, so I'll apologize for my lengthy absence from posting on the blog. I'm not too sure if anyone truly cares, but if you've been following along, I apologize. Life tends to get away from us sometimes, and I'm not immune to that. Since my last post, I've taken a new job across the country and had to move the whole show. A full garage rebuild on the new place to make things proper, and I'm finally feeling a bit settled.

Enough of the boring story. Let's get to it:

Pictured below is a 250cc Manx Norton housed in a special frame, built by the likes of Ken Taylor

The frame is a purpose built unit that's very much similar to the famous Joe Potts "Razorblade" frame, which was ridden by Bob McIntyre.

I don't have any real history of this machine's racing efforts, or what brave motorbike pilot would have ridden it. But that's neither here nor there. It's a 1959 / 1960 Manx Norton 250cc with twin spark head. Magnesium gearbox and of course an Amal GP carb. If you look at the drive side photo below, you'll notice the outside flywheel, which is quite a rare feature. Also to be noted, is the relationship of the gearbox, to the motor. With the motor sitting much lower in the frame, than a featherbed, it visibly changes the distance and position of the two components.

Manx wheels, of course, and one of the stand out features is the Ken Sprayson Earles front fork. The alloy sprint tank is quite nice, and interesting in that it has a second cap, which normally indicates a combination oil / petrol tank. Since it has a central alloy oil tank, perhaps it's a tank that's been repurposed from a Norvin. That's certainly just pure speculation on my part, but it adds an interesting feature. Notice below the vented tank fitting which points toward the rear, rather than to the front which is normally the case.

A couple of close up photos and alternate angle:

I've got to admit that ever since seeing this machine, it haunts my every thought. I simply can't get it out of my mind. Purpose built from the Golden Era of British GP racing. Lightweight, low profile and chock full of more details than I can soak in. Quite simply, I want it. I must have it. It's of course very much out of my grasp, but a man can dream….