Originally capable of producing upwards of 50bhp at around 8,000rpm the works Domiracer was a very capable machine.
In the 1961 Isle of Man TT rider Tom Phillis took a Doug Hele-developed Domiracer to third place and lapped at over 100mph. This was a first for a twin-cylinder pushrod engine.
1956 Norton Domiracer |
Once the Bracebridge Street race shop in Birmingham closed in January 1962, Norton abandoned the Domiracer project and the works Domiracer and factory spares were sold off to Paul Dunstall. Dunstall continued to campaign the 500cc twins with riders Fred Neville, Dave Downer and Syd Mizen, up until 1964.
This example features a 1956 wideline frame with Dural engine plates, Manx type swing arm, Hagon shocks, chrome short Roadholder forks with alloy damper tubes and a Seeley alloy top yoke. Front wheel is a WM2x18 Akront with Norton hub and a Triumph 2LS backplate. The rear wheel is WM3 Akront with Norton hub and cable brake. It is worth noting that the brakes are very effective!
1956 Norton Domiracer |
The engine is Laystall short stroke (68x68), with one piece period race crankshaft fitted with polished and shot-peened Commando rods, SS camshaft with lightened followers, running 10.5 - 1 with Powermax pistons, gas-flowed head with lightened and polished rockers. The carbs are twin rubber-mounted (GS750 stubs) 28mm Amal MK2s. Total loss coil ignition system. Bob Newby clutch and belt primary drive with fibreglass primary cover. Close ratio 4 speed gearbox and custom-made, 2-into-1 Mason Racing exhaust.
I can't wait for a test ride once the 2012 season gets into full swing!
1956 Norton Domiracer |