Lot No: 323
1938 Excelsior Manxman 350
Frame no. MG615
Engine no. CXC104
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's Ike Hatch-designed engine was built by Blackburne, though increasing friction with its engine supplier forced Excelsior to take over production early in 1936, with further developments masterminded by Melbournian, Alan Bruce, the company's Technical Manager.
A single-overhead-camshaft, two-valve design, the Manxman was built in 250, 350 and 500cc capacities. Sports roadster and racing versions were offered, though the 500 was only ever marketed as the former. Although it never won a TT, the Manxman enjoyed considerable success in international racing and the Manx Grand Prix, Denis Parkinson w