Property of a deceased's estate, 1925 Matchless 982cc M3 Project

Registration no. TT 4332 Frame no. 1676 Engine no. M3/725

• Rare Vintage-era v-twin
• Believed partially restored
• Offered for completion

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. 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.

These early Matchless models 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. By 1913 there were no fewer than six different models on offer ranging from 3½hp to 8hp in nominal rating. These included twin-cylinder 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.

Reluctant to remain reliant on outside suppliers, Matchless introduced a 982cc 50-degree v-twin engine of its own design for 1925, although it did bear a strong resemblance to the contemporary JAP. This new engine went into the M/3 model, which replaced the JAP-powered M/2.

It is not known when the vendor's late father purchased this Matchless M3. Acquired as a project, the machine appears to have undergone some refurbishment relatively recently, the frame, tinware and engine being believed restored. The Matchless appears largely complete, although the gearbox has been dismantled. Accordingly, prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness or otherwise prior to bidding. Complete or not, this rare Matchless, once finished, will afford its new owner with the hugely enjoyable experience of riding a highly capable Vintage-era v-twin. The machine comes with a V5C Registration Certificate and is sold strictly was viewed.
Offered without key