LOT 229

Property of a deceased's estate Matchless 498cc 'G50' Racing Motorcycle Frame no. none visible Engine no. none

Sold for £10,350 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

Lot 229

Property of a deceased's estate, Matchless 498cc 'G50' Racing Motorcycle

The Spring Stafford Sale - The International Classic MotorCycle Show|20 April 2024, 14:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

Property of a deceased's estate
Matchless 498cc 'G50' Racing Motorcycle
Frame no. none visible
Engine no. none

The disappointing performance of the Matchless G45 twin-cylinder racer prompted Associated Motor Cycles to develop an over-bored version of the firm's successful AJS 7R 350cc single as a contender for the '500' class. Using cycle parts virtually identical to the 7R, the prototype Matchless G50 first ran in 1958, with production versions becoming available the following year. Development was overseen by AMC's legendary engineer, Jack Williams, whose son Peter would later play a leading role in the G50 story.

With a claimed power output of over 50bhp and weighing some 30lbs less than a Manx Norton, the G50 should have been a winner, but it was not until after manufacture ceased in 1962, by which time around 180 machines had been completed, that tuner/entrants in Britain and the USA began to exploit the model's full potential. Subsequent frame and suspension developments - most notably by Tom Arter and Colin Seeley - kept the G50 competitive into the 'Japanese era'.

This G50's non-magnesium and unnumbered engine suggests that it may be one of the many replicas produced over the years by various specialists. The machine is presented in age-related condition, clearly requiring extensive recommissioning. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to its condition and authenticity prior to bidding. Sold strictly as viewed and without documents, history unknown.

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.

REQUEST A TRANSPORT QUOTE

Please click the link to request a transport quote from our recommended transport company, Moving Motorcycles.

To request a UK or European shipping quote - Moving Motorcycles

To request an International shipping quote - Shippio

This Lot will be auctioned on Saturday 20 April starting at 2pm GMT.

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 client services.
Buyers Premium and Charges
Buyers Premium and Charges
Memorabilia and Spares
For Memorabilia and Spares (Lots 1-91) the Buyers Premium is 28% on the first £40,000 of the hammer price; 27% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £40,000 up to and including £800,000; 21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £800,000 up to and including £4,500,000 and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,000.
Motorcycles
For Motorcycles (Lots 201-272 & 301-499) the Buyers Premium will be 15% on the first £500,000 of the Hammer Price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter.
Buyers attention is drawn to Condition 7 of the Notice to Bidders. VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
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.
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.
- Automobilia
- Motorcycles