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LOT 250

1961 Matchless 348cc G3L Registration no. 484 BGJ Frame no. A78804 Engine no. 60/G3 40179

Sold for £2,300 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 250

1961 Matchless 348cc G3L
Registration no. 484 BGJ Frame no. A78804 Engine no. 60/G3 40179

1961 Matchless 348cc G3L
Registration no. 484 BGJ
Frame no. A78804
Engine no. 60/G3 40179

The typical British 350 of the 1950s was unlikely to be anyone's first choice as a fast sports bike. Rather, these honest, workaday mounts were chosen for other reasons, chiefly their inherent strength, dependability and economy. AMC's offerings in this important market sector were the Matchless G3L and AJS Model 16, models identical in all essential respects. Testing one of these stalwarts in 1961, Motor Cycling recorded a modest mean top speed of 76mph but found that when toured at a relaxed pace across country an excellent 86 miles per gallon was achievable. Although limited, Motor Cycling's experience confirmed that such a machine was light on the pocket, "both for running costs and for the equally important, though less easily assessed, maintenance/repair factor".

Not surprisingly, the Matchless G3 was popular with the British Military and also with the Home Office, which purchased several for use by the Auxiliary Fire Service, the example offered here being one such. Believed un-restored, '484 BGJ' comes with its original old-style buff logbook recording Secretary of State, Home Office as first owner, followed by Hampshire Fire Service from 11th June 1964. In 1969 the machine was disposed of at auction and registered to its first private owner on 1st August that year. Additional documentation includes a quantity of expired MoTs and tax discs, miscellaneous paperwork, and an old-style V5C showing that the Matchless has belonged to the vendor since November 2001.

Footnotes

As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

Saleroom notices

The engine number is 61/G340179.

Additional information

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  • 19 October 2019, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
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