James Stensel
Head of Department
LOT 228
Property of a deceased's estate c.1957 Matchless 498cc G45 Racing Motorcycle Frame no. F302 Engine no. G45/302
Sold for £24,150 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 228
Property of a deceased's estate, c.1957 Matchless 498cc G45 Racing Motorcycle
Property of a deceased's estate
c.1957 Matchless 498cc G45 Racing Motorcycle
Frame no. F302
Engine no. G45/302
c.1957 Matchless 498cc G45 Racing Motorcycle
Frame no. F302
Engine no. G45/302
The prototype of what would become the G45 first appeared at the '51 Manx Grand Prix ridden by Robin Sherry, eventually finishing 4th after a promising debut. In fact, the G45 was not an entirely new design but essentially a hybrid comprised of AJS 7R-based cycle parts and a tuned Matchless G9 roadster engine equipped with a new aluminium-alloy cylinder barrel and 'head.
In 1952 the prototype G45 garnered much valuable publicity, and not a little controversy, when Derek Farrant won the Senior Manx Grand Prix after leading from start to finish. Strictly speaking, a works prototype had no business in an event for amateurs riding over-the-counter machines, but AMC quickly announced that a production G45 would be available for 1953. Although still based on that of the G9, the production version's engine incorporated a different camshaft and breathed via a pair of Amal GP carburettors. Claimed power output was 48bhp, increasing on later models to 54 horsepower. Apart from revised valve gear and the eventual adoption of a forged crankshaft, the G45 changed little over the course of its life. Production ceased in 1957 after around 80 machines had been built, of which it is believed approximately half survive today.
This G45 is presented in age-related condition, in need of restoration. There are no documents with this Lot, the history of which is not known.
In 1952 the prototype G45 garnered much valuable publicity, and not a little controversy, when Derek Farrant won the Senior Manx Grand Prix after leading from start to finish. Strictly speaking, a works prototype had no business in an event for amateurs riding over-the-counter machines, but AMC quickly announced that a production G45 would be available for 1953. Although still based on that of the G9, the production version's engine incorporated a different camshaft and breathed via a pair of Amal GP carburettors. Claimed power output was 48bhp, increasing on later models to 54 horsepower. Apart from revised valve gear and the eventual adoption of a forged crankshaft, the G45 changed little over the course of its life. Production ceased in 1957 after around 80 machines had been built, of which it is believed approximately half survive today.
This G45 is presented in age-related condition, in need of restoration. There are no documents with this Lot, the history of which is not known.
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.
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This Lot will be auctioned on Saturday 20 April starting at 2pm GMT.
Saleroom notices
Please note the engine does not turn over.
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