Phil Aynsley writes, "In an effort to improve their already successful Manx, the factory debuted this radical design at the North-West 200 in 1953. The motor was suspended between duplex top tubes with the fuel and oil carried low down. Rider Ray Amm set a 350cc class record before the motor overheated causing his retirement. The combination of a low centre of gravity and superb aerodynamics provided excellent handling and a high top speed. Indeed Amm set 22 world records at the Montlhery track (near Paris) in November, including one lap at 234kph."

Fine photography by Phil Aynsley

Norton History