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LOT 411 *N

The Hans Schifferle Collection c.1961 Matchless 646cc G12 Registration no. not registered Frame no. A78998 Engine no. 61/G12X6028

Sold for £3,910 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 411*,N

The Hans Schifferle Collection, c.1961 Matchless 646cc G12
Registration no. not registered Frame no. A78998 Engine no. 61/G12X6028

The Hans Schifferle Collection
c.1961 Matchless 646cc G12
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. A78998
Engine no. 61/G12X6028

The last of the major British motorcycle manufacturers to offer a parallel twin, Associated Motor Cycles did not announce its own until the Earls Court Motorcycle Show of 1948, and even then, production was for export only. Typed Model 20 (AJS) and G9 (Matchless), the two newcomers followed the established pattern of British parallel twins but were unusual in having an engine with a third, central, crankshaft main bearing. The new 498cc power unit was housed in the swinging-arm frame recently introduced on AMC's heavyweight singles. For once there was a fair amount of variation between the two marques, which featured their own individual tanks, seats and exhaust pipes in addition to the customary badge and colour scheme differences. Progressively developed, the motor underwent a number of capacity increases, finally arriving at 646cc in the autumn of 1958 with the launch of the AJS Model 31 and Matchless G12. Well-finished, stylish and deservedly popular despite lacking the performance image of certain rivals, the AMC twins were much missed after their demise in 1966.

Hans purchased this G12 from a Swiss collector circa 2004. Helmut Lichtenberg rebuilt the engine, since when the machine has covered only 1,530 kilometres. Very nicely presented, the Matchless is offered with a German Fahrzeugschein; expired TüV (MoT) certificate and correspondence; an old Swiss registration document; and a range pamphlet.

Footnotes

* Import VAT Low Rate
Import tax at the reduced rate of 5% of the Hammer Price and Buyers Premium will apply should the lot remain in the UK.

N (NOVA): This lot is subject to a fee of £125 + VAT payable by the Buyer, to undertake the relevant NOVA and C88 (Customs) clearance applications. Please see the Conditions of Sale for further information.

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

There is an Egli invoice on file for this lot. The machine displays 1,540 km.

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  • 9 October 2021, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
  • 10 October 2021, 09:00 - 17:00 BST

Lot symbols

*Import low rate
VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.
NNOVA declaration
If purchased by a UK resident, this machine is subject to a NOVA declaration, whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (SHIPPIO) to undertake the NOVA and C88 (customs) application if applicable on the Buyer's behalf. A fee of £350 + VAT to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice.

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