LOT 167
1939 Matchless 982cc Model X Frame no. 961 Engine no. 39/X 5464
Sold for US$59,800 inc. premium
Lot 167
1939 Matchless 982cc Model X Frame no. 961 Engine no. 39/X 5464
The Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction|23 January 2020, 12:30 PST|Las Vegas, Caesar's Entertainment Studios
1939 Matchless 982cc Model X
Frame no. 961
Engine no. 39/X 5464
Frame no. 961
Engine no. 39/X 5464
• Gorgeous British pre-WW2 cruiser
• The V-twin motor was 'good enough' for both Brough Superior and Morgan
• Handsome in period and still handsome today after 80 years!
Unlike the vast majority of Britain's motorcycle manufacturers, which were located in the Birmingham and Coventry areas, Matchless was based in Plumstead, close to the Thames in South East London. The name 'Matchless' first appeared in the 1890s on bicycles manufactured by H.H. Collier, whose sons Charlie and Harry would later join him in the business. The firm's prototype motorcycles appeared in 1899, its first production model in 1902. Already an accomplished cycle racer, Charlie Collier soon turned to racing Matchless motorcycles, as did his brother, and both Colliers would be on the start line for the inaugural Isle of Man TT race in 1907, Charlie winning the event's single-cylinder class.
Matchless offered v-twin sidecar tugs from its earliest days – with engines supplied by JA Prestwich, or JAP – but in 1912 the firm introduced a 500cc single of its own design. Within a year, however, the firm had switched to V-twins only, with no fewer than six different models ranging from 3½hp to 8hp in nominal rating. Production of these JAP-engined models resumed after WW1 and continued into the 1920s despite the presence of a more modern Matchless-engined rival in the range. Designated 'X/2' on its launch in 1925, this 982cc 'square' (bore and stroke at 85.5mm) sidevalve v-twin would remain in production until the outbreak of WW2, its engine also being supplied to Brough Superior (of Nottingham, a city in the Midlands not far from Birmingham) for use in the SS80 from 1935 onwards; and to Morgan (of Malvern, west of London just south of Birmingham) for their three-wheeler. While lesser models came and went, the stately Model X remained a fixture of the range, progressively updated, until 1940. The most significant upgrades along the way were introduced for 1937 when the Model X adopted a restyled fuel tank, and front-mounted magneto. And, of course, Brampton forks and a 4-speed Burman gearbox remained in the spec.
This example, one of what are thought to be fewer than 90 left of this model, appears to have had very little use or what use it has had has been very gentle. Prior to the seller's recent ownership its history is sparse. It still sits with its original finish – paint, polish and chrome - and it is simply not known if the engine has ever been apart. The levers are all stamped 'Bowden' and the footrests appear original, as do the speedometer, horn, exhaust pipes, headlight glass, tinware, forks, etc. The seller has disclosed that the electrical system including the harness are, in his word, 'tired.'
• The V-twin motor was 'good enough' for both Brough Superior and Morgan
• Handsome in period and still handsome today after 80 years!
Unlike the vast majority of Britain's motorcycle manufacturers, which were located in the Birmingham and Coventry areas, Matchless was based in Plumstead, close to the Thames in South East London. The name 'Matchless' first appeared in the 1890s on bicycles manufactured by H.H. Collier, whose sons Charlie and Harry would later join him in the business. The firm's prototype motorcycles appeared in 1899, its first production model in 1902. Already an accomplished cycle racer, Charlie Collier soon turned to racing Matchless motorcycles, as did his brother, and both Colliers would be on the start line for the inaugural Isle of Man TT race in 1907, Charlie winning the event's single-cylinder class.
Matchless offered v-twin sidecar tugs from its earliest days – with engines supplied by JA Prestwich, or JAP – but in 1912 the firm introduced a 500cc single of its own design. Within a year, however, the firm had switched to V-twins only, with no fewer than six different models ranging from 3½hp to 8hp in nominal rating. Production of these JAP-engined models resumed after WW1 and continued into the 1920s despite the presence of a more modern Matchless-engined rival in the range. Designated 'X/2' on its launch in 1925, this 982cc 'square' (bore and stroke at 85.5mm) sidevalve v-twin would remain in production until the outbreak of WW2, its engine also being supplied to Brough Superior (of Nottingham, a city in the Midlands not far from Birmingham) for use in the SS80 from 1935 onwards; and to Morgan (of Malvern, west of London just south of Birmingham) for their three-wheeler. While lesser models came and went, the stately Model X remained a fixture of the range, progressively updated, until 1940. The most significant upgrades along the way were introduced for 1937 when the Model X adopted a restyled fuel tank, and front-mounted magneto. And, of course, Brampton forks and a 4-speed Burman gearbox remained in the spec.
This example, one of what are thought to be fewer than 90 left of this model, appears to have had very little use or what use it has had has been very gentle. Prior to the seller's recent ownership its history is sparse. It still sits with its original finish – paint, polish and chrome - and it is simply not known if the engine has ever been apart. The levers are all stamped 'Bowden' and the footrests appear original, as do the speedometer, horn, exhaust pipes, headlight glass, tinware, forks, etc. The seller has disclosed that the electrical system including the harness are, in his word, 'tired.'
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
Please note, the title will be in transit.
Additional information
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