1962 Norton Manx

1962 marks the final year of production for the Norton Manx, the factory's purpose-built single-cylinder racer that sat entirely outside the street lineup and existed for one reason: winning on tarmac. This is not a bike you commute on or restore for weekend cruising. The Manx demands a rider who understands clip-ons, a right-side kick start, and a powerplant that wants to be worked hard through the gears rather than lugged around at low revs. Handling is the real story here, with a chassis that made even modest horsepower feel usable at speed on tight circuits, and that reputation for poise through corners is a big part of why racers chose it over faster but clumsier machines.

The 1962 model carried over without significant mechanical changes from the prior year — buyers comparing it to a 1961 example should focus on mileage, service history, and condition rather than spec differences.

Today's buyer is typically a classic racing participant or a serious collector with real workshop knowledge, someone chasing period-correct provenance rather than a rideable weekend toy. Given its status as the last production year, well-documented examples draw strong collector attention.