Previewing in Bonhams Los Angeles by appointment. Please contact
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Originating in 1902, the Matchless Motorcycle Company, Plumstead, Woolwich, had a long racing history beginning in 1907, when Charlie Collier, one of the founder's sons, became the winner of the first Isle of Man TT in 1907, in the single cylinder class. During its life, Matchless motorcycles were truly "Matchless in Name and Reputation" producing many unique models such as the V-4 Silver Hawk, and great racing machines such as the G-45, G-50, and AJS 7-R and Porcupine, having taken over AJS in the 30s. Charlie Collier headed up the company, and was still in charge when he passed away, just six years before this bike was built.
Associated Motor Cycles announced its post-war range of Matchless and AJS heavyweight singles in June 1945. Housed in a rigid frame with Teledraulic front fork, the ruggedly built overhead-valve engine drove via a four-speed gearbox. Hairpin valve springs were adopted for 1949 and a swinging-arm frame introduced, the latter initially for export only, models so-equipped being suffixed 'S'. Cleverly, AMC had devised this frame by the simple expedient of producing a new suspension-carrying rear subframe that bolted on in place of the old rigid back end. Thus, it proved a relatively simple matter for owners of older rigid models to update them.
The G80s offered here appears to have been recently restored especially looking at the paint, components, and chrome parts. Having not been used for some time, the bike will need a mechanical overhaul before being enjoyed again on the road.