Norton Manx 30M 500cc racer R.W. Herron 1955 Ulster Grand Prix racing photo

Description

A superb and rare photo of
R.W. Herron
, seen in action with his
500cc Norton Manx 30M 500cc production racer
during the
1955
500cc Ulster Grand Prix
which was ridden on
August 13, 1955
. This image shows excellent detail of his great racing machine, which engine was once used by
Artie Bell
! It also is a great shot of one of the most classic and famous roadraces ever: the Ulster Grand Prix.
R.W. Herron
was the brother of J. Herron who raced the
Ulster
in the 250cc class that year. Both brothers lived in the town of
Leitrim
, Banbridge, and were successful roadracers. Interestingly, R.W. Herron was a very active grasstrack racer as well, with his B.S.A. he scored some noticeable victories. When he turned to roadracing he used an engine that came from Artie Bell. Not a bad choice as he shared the fastest and record lap in the 1955 Mid-Antrim “
150”
roadrace with Mick Roche! This great photograph of the Grand Prix of Ulster was taken during the 500cc race of 1955. The race was won by Bill Lomas on a Moto Guzzi with an average race speed of
92.30 mph
(
148.54 km/h
).
Herron is seen riding the
Norton Manx 30M (500cc)
, a machine with a very interesting history. Even though
Norton
had pulled out of racing in 1954, the Manx would remain the backbone of privateer racing for years to come. It was developed to win the Isle of Man TT from single overhead cam international racers by
Norton
racing team engineer
Joe
Craig
. The double overhead cam configuration was developed in 1937 and after many problems perfected one year later. The Manx was delayed by the outbreak of World War II but reemerged for the 1946 Manx Grand Prix. The motorcycle was upgraded with new telescopic forks and in 1948 gained twin leading shoe brakes. In 1950 the innovative Featherbed frame was developed, giving the Manx a significant competitive advantage through a low centre of gravity and short wheelbase that was perfectly suited the challenging island TT course. The all-welded, tubular featherbed frame was light and trim, without the usual forgings that added unnecessary weight. In 1950 the featherbed Manx recorded a double hat-trick of podium positions at the TT. The Manx engine was redesigned in 1953 with a much shorter stroke of
86 mm
x 85.6 mm to improve the rev range. 1962 was the last full year for the production
Norton
Manx
. In July AMC announced the transfer of production from
Bracebridge Street
to Woolwich in
London
. 42 Manx Nortons were produced between November 1962 and January
1963. In
1966
Colin
Seeley
purchased what remained of the spares and tools and which he eventually sold on to
John
Tickle
in 1969.
John
Tickle
took over the Manx name when
Norton
ceased production and acquired a large quantity of spare parts. He also manufactured complete racers, called the Manx T5 (500) and T3 (350). Both used the short-stroke Manx engines in a frame designed by Tickle but he could not compete against the Japanese racers and sold his stock and the rights in the late 1970s. The stock was bought by Unity Equipe who produce specialist spares and have a complete Triton cafe racer build to order service. In 1994
Andy
Molnar
purchased the rights to the Manx name and some original tools and spares from Unity Equipe and the
Norton
Manx
is now in complete production again. In January
1961 a
new
Norton
Manxman
650cc was launched for the American market only. British racer
Les
Archer
worked with frame specialist
Ron
Hankins
and engine tuner
Ray
Petty
to develop a Manx Norton motocross motorcycle. The double-overhead-cam, short-stroke
Norton
Manx
road racing engine was fitted into a Hankins frame and finished with an aluminum tank and titanium axles. The Manx MX was successful, winning the
1956 F
.I.M. 500cc European Motocross Championship, but not able to compete with the emerging two-stroke bikes. Manx Nortons also played a significant role in the development of post war car racing. At the end of 1950, the English national 500 cc regulations were adopted as the new Formula 3. The JAP Speedway engine had dominated the category initially but the Manx was capable of producing significantly more power and became the engine of choice. Many complete motorcycles were bought in order to strip the engine for 500 cc car racing, as
Nortons
would not sell separate engines. Manx rolling chassis were frequently sold on and paired with Triumph 500cc twin engines to create Triton cafe racers.
This is a very nice and very rare
non period
photo that reflects a wonderful era of 1950s motorcycle history in a wonderful way. This is your rare chance to own this photo, therefore it is printed in a nice large format of ca. 8" x 12" (ca. 20 x
30 cm
). It makes it perfectly suitable for framing!
Shipping costs will only be $ 7.00 regardless of how many photos you buy.   For 5 or more photos, shipping is free!
(Note: A. Herl, Inc. does not appear on photo, for ebay purposes only)
No copyright expressed or implied. Sold as collectable item only. We are clearing out our archives that we have gathered from various sources.
All items always sent well protected in PVC clear files
and board backed envelopes.
We have photographs that came from professional collections and/or were bought from the original photographer or press studio! They are all of professional and excellent quality.
After many decades of professionally collecting photographs and posters we are clearing out our archives. They make the perfect gift and are perfectly suited for framing. They will look gorgeous unframed and will be a true asset nicely framed with a border. They are a gorgeous and great asset in every home, workshop, workplace, restaurant, bar or club!
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