LOT 106

c.1954 Matchless 498cc G3/Model 20 (see text) Registration no. GSV 310 Frame no. A9734 Engine no. 54/20 19739

Sold for £1,265 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 106

c.1954 Matchless 498cc G3/Model 20 (see text)

Motorcycles Online - The January Sale|22 January 2024, 12:12 GMT|Online, Milton Keynes

c.1954 Matchless 498cc G3/Model 20 (see text)
Registration no. GSV 310
Frame no. A9734
Engine no. 54/20 19739

The last of the major British motorcycle manufacturers to offer a parallel twin, Associated Motor Cycles did not announce its own until the Earls Court Motorcycle Show of 1948, and even then production was for export only. Typed Model 20 (AJS) and G9 (Matchless), the two newcomers followed the established pattern of British parallel twins but were unusual in having an engine with a third, central, crankshaft main bearing. The new 498cc power unit was housed in the swinging-arm frame recently introduced on AMC's heavyweight singles and for once there was a fair amount of variation between the two marques, which featured their own individual tanks, seats and exhaust pipes in addition to the customary badge and colour scheme differences.

Purchased by the current vendor in April 1999, it was placed within the collection for a complete restoration but other projects took over. Accordingly, it is sold strictly as viewed and offered for restoration/recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent. Despite being fitted with a Model 20 AJS engine and displaying an AJS badge to the petrol tank, this machine is registered as a Matchless to the V5C. Furthermore, it should be noted the engine number listed to the V5C differs from that presently fitted to the machine. Offered with a V5C and copy V5.
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.

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