LOT 491
1931 Matchless 592cc Silver Hawk Registration no. DY 6870 Frame no. 858 Engine no. B644
Sold for £21,275 inc. premium
Lot 491
1931 Matchless 592cc Silver Hawk
1931 Matchless 592cc Silver Hawk
Registration no. DY 6870
Frame no. 858
Engine no. B644
Registration no. DY 6870
Frame no. 858
Engine no. B644
Launched in the autumn of 1930, the v-four Silver Hawk shared many of its features with the Silver Arrow v-twin introduced the previous year, most notably the narrow included angle of the cylinders: 26 degrees. Displacing a total of 592cc, the cylinders were contained within one casting and topped by a single 'head, just like the Arrow's, but the Hawk was intended to be a luxury sports-tourer and so enjoyed the advantages conferred by overhead-camshaft valve gear. Drive to the camshaft was by shaft and bevel gears, and there was no denying that the Silver Hawk's was one impressive looking motor. The frame and cycle parts followed Silver Arrow lines, incorporating cantilever rear suspension broadly similar to that adopted later by Vincent-HRD. Expensive to make and introduced at the wrong time, the Silver Arrow failed to sell despite its mouth-watering specification and was quietly dropped in 1935.
In single family ownership since 1960, this original Silver Hawk is described by the private vendor as in generally fair-to-good condition and was last run in 2013 when it was receiving attention and some restoration at Classic Bike Restorations, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Sympathetic recommissioning and/or restoration will now be required before further use. The machine is offered with an old-style buff continuation logbook issued in 1941, noting a change of engine to the current 'B644' and the 5th change of owner in 1938 as being Harold H Hipperson of Beccles, together with a old-style green continuation logbook issued in 1973. (The registration 'DY 6870' is recorded in the HPI database.) Key not required.
In single family ownership since 1960, this original Silver Hawk is described by the private vendor as in generally fair-to-good condition and was last run in 2013 when it was receiving attention and some restoration at Classic Bike Restorations, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Sympathetic recommissioning and/or restoration will now be required before further use. The machine is offered with an old-style buff continuation logbook issued in 1941, noting a change of engine to the current 'B644' and the 5th change of owner in 1938 as being Harold H Hipperson of Beccles, together with a old-style green continuation logbook issued in 1973. (The registration 'DY 6870' is recorded in the HPI database.) Key not required.
Footnotes
All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.
Saleroom notices
It should be noted that the engine does not currently turn over.
Additional information
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