Ian Telfer 250cc Shortened Manx Norton Motorcycle 1953

Ian Telfer 250cc Shortened Manx Norton 1953After WW2. there was no suitable 250cc class racers. Many chose to build their own. There were no British manufacturers making 250cc racers. only expensive continental bikes or pre-war machines. One of the first manufacturers was Ian Telfer. an engineering draughtsman. The engine of this bike started as a long stroke 350cc but was reconfigured with a capacity of 247cc. This was fitted into a standard Manx frame bought from Francis Beart. In August 1954 (60 years ago) the Ian Telfer Norton was raced for the first time by John Surtees. who finished 2nd at the Ibsley airfield circuit in Hampshire. Later that year. Surtees won twice at Aberdare Park and Brands Hatch. In 1957. Ian then rebuilt the engine as a short stroke engine.  It was tested on a dynamometer at Small Heath where it produced an impressive 26BHP at 8000rpm and in 1957 this was a good for a 250cc. This bike has been reconfigured many times.  It is a nice looking bike and has a manx  frame and many parts from that era.  I have paraded it at Mallory and it goes well. There is lots of history with this rare bike and makes an excellent investment.

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