1921 Matchless 8hp Model H2 Motorcycle Combination

• Rare early Matchless v-twin
• Professionally restored between 2019 and 2023 (bills available)
• Not used since 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 Matchlesses 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. For 1913, when the example offered here was made, there were no fewer than six different models on offer ranging from 3½hp to 8hp in nominal rating. This had been reduced to three for the following year: one of 3½hp and two of 8hp, one of which was fitted with a Matchless engine and the other a proprietary MAG. The latter was typed '8B'and later would form the basis for the legendary Model H.

The current vendor purchased this MAG-engined Matchless Combination several years ago from the previous custodian, who had owned it since the 1960s. Our vendor understands that the previous owner bought it from a contact who had also owned it for a long time. The current owner enlisted the help of SMH Services/Steve Hodgson, who completely renovated it for him between 2019 and 2023. (Steve is the UK's leading restorer of Austin Sevens and also rebuilds motorcycles of this era.) SMH's bills for the restoration are on file together with a CD-ROM of photographs and a video clip of the Matchless running post restoration. The machine has not been driven by our vendor as he does not have a motorcycle licence (the joy was in restoring it).
Accompanying paperwork includes a current V5C; the aforementioned SMH bills; GJ Upholstery invoice; old receipts/invoices from the 1960s; various instruction manuals and parts lists; and a copy of The Classic Motorcycle (February 1988 issue). It should be noted that the V5C records the frame number as '1920211447' (actually 'H1447'). A quantity of spares accumulated during the restoration is included in the sale, perusal recommended.