
LOT 128
1966 Matchless G80CS Frame no. C11115 Engine no. G80CS/5257
Sold for US$5,520 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 128
1966 Matchless G80CS Frame no. C11115 Engine no. G80CS/5257
Collectors' Motorcycles at the Barber Museum|5 October 2019, 12:00 CDT|Birmingham, Barber Motorsports Museum
1966 Matchless G80CS
Frame no. C11115
Engine no. G80CS/5257
Frame no. C11115
Engine no. G80CS/5257
Long before its G80CS scramblers scorched across the Southern California desert, Matchless had a storied history. Founded in 1899, it didn't take long for the company to make racing history when Charlie Collier, one of the founder's sons, became the winner of the very first Isle of Man TT in 1907. As years passed, Matchless motorcycles lived up to their 'Matchless in Name and Reputation,' advertising slogan, the firm producing unique models such as the Silver Hawk roadster, a 600cc narrow-angle V four, and great road racing machines such as the G45 and G50.
Off road, the Matchless of choice was the 500cc G80CS, developed from the workhorse 350cc G3L, a favorite mount of British Army dispatch riders during WWII. The G80 proved very competitive in British scrambles, which of course evolved into the sport of motocross. The engine was constantly upgraded, eventually becoming an oversquare, all-alloy design. By the time Cycle World magazine tested a G80CS scrambler in 1963 it was a pretty impressive piece despite its advanced years. "A jewel beyond price," CW gushed. "The very soul of reliability. We were most impressed with this big Matchless – it had a lot of power over a phenomenally wide engine speed range, and the handling is absolutely without fault...we can understand how these bikes command such owner-loyalty. The G80CS is a most impressive all-around performer."
Off road, the Matchless of choice was the 500cc G80CS, developed from the workhorse 350cc G3L, a favorite mount of British Army dispatch riders during WWII. The G80 proved very competitive in British scrambles, which of course evolved into the sport of motocross. The engine was constantly upgraded, eventually becoming an oversquare, all-alloy design. By the time Cycle World magazine tested a G80CS scrambler in 1963 it was a pretty impressive piece despite its advanced years. "A jewel beyond price," CW gushed. "The very soul of reliability. We were most impressed with this big Matchless – it had a lot of power over a phenomenally wide engine speed range, and the handling is absolutely without fault...we can understand how these bikes command such owner-loyalty. The G80CS is a most impressive all-around performer."
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 frame number is 11116, and the title will be in transit.








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