LOT 478
Property of a deceased's estate 1939 Matchless 982cc Model X Registration no. GJO 996 Frame no. 981 Engine no. 39/X 5573
Estimate: £28,000 - £32,000
Lot 478
Property of a deceased's estate, 1939 Matchless 982cc Model XRegistration no. GJO 996 Frame no. 981 Engine no. 39/X 5573
The Autumn Sale - The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show, Stafford|9 October 2021, 12:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground
Property of a deceased's estate
1939 Matchless 982cc Model X
Registration no. GJO 996
Frame no. 981
Engine no. 39/X 5573
1939 Matchless 982cc Model X
Registration no. GJO 996
Frame no. 981
Engine no. 39/X 5573
• Charismatic 1930s v-twin
• An older restoration
• Requires re-commissioning
Unlike the vast majority of Britain's motorcycle manufacturers, which were located in the Birmingham and Coventry areas, Matchless were based in Plumstead, South London. The name 'Matchless' first appeared in the 1890s on cycles manufactured by H H Collier, whose sons Charlie and Harry would later join him in the business. The firm's first - experimental - motorcycle appeared in 1899 and its first production model in 1902.
These early Matchless motorcycles were JAP powered but in 1912 the firm introduced a 500cc single of its own design. Nevertheless, within a short time it had gone, along with all the other singles, and for the next several years Matchless built only v-twins. Matchless had offered v-twin sidecar tugs from its earliest days, and by 1913 there were no fewer than six different models on offer ranging from 3½hp to 8hp in nominal rating. These included 8hp models, one of which was fitted with a Matchless engine (the 7B) and the other a proprietary MAG. The latter was typed '8B' and later would form the basis for the legendary Model H motorcycle combination.
Production of these MAG-engined models resumed after The Great War 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 sidevalve v-twin would remain in production until the outbreak of WW2, its engine being supplied to Brough Superior for use in the SS80 from 1935 onwards. 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 shorter frame, restyled fuel tank, and front-mounted magneto.
This Model X had already been restored when it was purchased by the lady vendor's late husband. According to DVLA correspondence in the history files, it appears the engine was changed from number '5478' to '5573', the latter still falling within the range for 1939. Kept in dry storage, the Matchless was never used by its late owner, though the engine has been occasionally turned over by the lady vendor's son. Following a period of inactivity, re-commissioning to a greater or lesser extent will be required before returning the machine to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Accompanying paperwork consists of V5C, expired MoT's (most recent 2013), marque-related literature and various DVLA correspondence.
• An older restoration
• Requires re-commissioning
Unlike the vast majority of Britain's motorcycle manufacturers, which were located in the Birmingham and Coventry areas, Matchless were based in Plumstead, South London. The name 'Matchless' first appeared in the 1890s on cycles manufactured by H H Collier, whose sons Charlie and Harry would later join him in the business. The firm's first - experimental - motorcycle appeared in 1899 and its first production model in 1902.
These early Matchless motorcycles were JAP powered but in 1912 the firm introduced a 500cc single of its own design. Nevertheless, within a short time it had gone, along with all the other singles, and for the next several years Matchless built only v-twins. Matchless had offered v-twin sidecar tugs from its earliest days, and by 1913 there were no fewer than six different models on offer ranging from 3½hp to 8hp in nominal rating. These included 8hp models, one of which was fitted with a Matchless engine (the 7B) and the other a proprietary MAG. The latter was typed '8B' and later would form the basis for the legendary Model H motorcycle combination.
Production of these MAG-engined models resumed after The Great War 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 sidevalve v-twin would remain in production until the outbreak of WW2, its engine being supplied to Brough Superior for use in the SS80 from 1935 onwards. 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 shorter frame, restyled fuel tank, and front-mounted magneto.
This Model X had already been restored when it was purchased by the lady vendor's late husband. According to DVLA correspondence in the history files, it appears the engine was changed from number '5478' to '5573', the latter still falling within the range for 1939. Kept in dry storage, the Matchless was never used by its late owner, though the engine has been occasionally turned over by the lady vendor's son. Following a period of inactivity, re-commissioning to a greater or lesser extent will be required before returning the machine to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Accompanying paperwork consists of V5C, expired MoT's (most recent 2013), marque-related literature and various DVLA correspondence.
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.
Additional information
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