Beschreibung:

Although it had proved fast enough to win the 1933 Lightweight TT in Syd Gleave's hands, Excelsior's complex twin-cam, radial four-valve Mechanical Marvel proved something of a disappointment thereafter, and at the end of the 1934 season the Tyseley firm opted for a simpler design - the Manxman. Like the Marvel, the Manxman engine was built by Blackburne, though increasing friction with its engine supplier forced Excelsior to take over production themselves early in 1936. A single-overhead-camshaft, two-valve design, the Manxman was built in 250, 350, and 500cc capacities. Road and race versions were offered, though the 500 was only ever marketed as a sports roadster. Although it never won a TT, the Manxman enjoyed considerable success in international racing and the Manx Grand Prix, Denis Parkinson winning the Lightweight race three times on the trot between 1936 and 1938. Notable Manxman developments included the switch to a shorter-stroke 250 engine in 1937 and the adoption (also applied to the 350) of an aluminium-alloy cylinder head with right-hand exhaust port. This Manxman was kept in museum storage for many years following the end of its competition career. We are advised that the machine, which is fitted with a ‘works’ type long-distance fuel tank, was restored in the 1990s; refurbishment undertaken included overhauling the front fork and rebuilding the wheels.