LOT 307

The Anthony R. East Classic Motorcycle Collection 1954 Matchless 498cc G9 Registration no. LOT 734 Frame no. A6711 Engine no. 54/G9 18820

Sold for £5,290 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

Previous Lot

Next Lot

Lot 307

The Anthony R. East Classic Motorcycle Collection, 1954 Matchless 498cc G9

The Autumn Stafford Sale – The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|14 October 2023, 10:30 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

The Anthony R. East Classic Motorcycle Collection
1954 Matchless 498cc G9
Registration no. LOT 734
Frame no. A6711
Engine no. 54/G9 18820

Like those of its major rivals, Associated Motor Cycles' parallel twin engine started life as a 500 before undergoing a number of capacity increases. Similarly, AMC's original 500cc offering would remain the sweetest of the many alternatives. Announced in 1948, the Matchless G9 and equivalent AJS Model 20, while following the established pattern of British parallel twins, were unusual in having a third, central, crankshaft main bearing. The new 498cc engine was housed in the sprung frame recently introduced on the heavyweight singles. Progressively developed, the motor underwent a number of capacity increases, finally arriving at 646cc in 1958 with the launch of the AJS Model 31 and Matchless G12. Production of the 500cc models ceased in 1961 and that of the 650s in 1966. Well-finished, stylish and deservedly popular, the AMC twins were much missed after their demise.

Acquired by Tony East in 1984, this G9 comes with invoices and correspondence relating to its restoration for him by J W Tennant-Eyles in the mid/late 1980s and others relating to a subsequent mechanical rebuild undertaken by Bryan Small (close inspection recommended). The machine was last taxed in March 2006 and currently displays a total of 3,833 miles on the odometer. Additional documentation includes 11 MoTs (most recent expired March 2006), SORN paperwork, old/current V5/V5C Registration Certificates, and a quantity of very useful instruction manuals and parts lists.

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

Please note there is no old V5, but old and new V5C's with this lot.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import License or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such License or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancelation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Buyers' Premium and Charges
Like the vast majority of auctioneers Bonhams charge a Buyer's Premium on the Hammer Price of each Lot purchased and this is subject to VAT. Some lots may also be subject to VAT on the Hammer Price and these lots will be clearly marked with a symbol (†, Ω, *) printed beside the lot number.
For Automobilia the Buyer's Premium is 28% on the first £40,000 of the hammer price; 27% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £40,001 up to and including £800,000; 21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £800,001 up to and including £4,500,000 and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,001.
For Motor Cars and Vehicle Registration Numbers the Buyer's Premium will be 15% on the first £500,000 of the hammer price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter.
A 3rd party bidding platform fee of 4% + VAT of the Hammer Price for Buyers using the following bidding platforms will be added to the invoices of successful Buyers for auctions starting on or after 6th July 2024 – Invaluable; Live Auctioneers; The Saleroom; Lot-tissimo.
VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Buyers Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
Payment Notices
For payment information please refer to the sale catalog.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licences please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.
- Motorcycles