The David Plant Collection, c.1911 Matchless 'Model No.4 3½hp TT' Project

Registration no. not registered
Frame no. not located
Engine no. 9043

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. A production version of the race-winning machine was added to the catalogue for the following year. To make up for the disappointments of the 1908 TT, when Charlie could only manage 2nd place, he made an attempt at the 'One Hour' record, setting a new mark of almost 69 miles at Brooklands in September of that year. From then onwards the Matchless-mounted Colliers were unstoppable, with Harry winning the IoM TT in 1909 and Charlie the following year, while the brothers were equally successful at Brooklands.

The 1911 Matchless offered here is a rare and fascinating survivor from the pioneering years of British motorcycling, powered by a 500cc single-cylinder JAP engine and retaining the distinctive characteristics of an early pre-WWI machine: single-speed transmission, belt drive, no clutch, and braking systems entirely in keeping with the era. Remarkably, the project was assembled largely from original components discovered inside a barn full of derelict motorcycles and spares acquired by the vendor some 30 years ago. During the sorting process, a set of distinctive Matchless front forks was identified, leading ultimately to the discovery of the remainder of the machine. The original khaki-green paint finish used by Matchless proved invaluable in authenticating and matching the surviving components, while period factory catalogues from 1911 and 1912 subsequently confirmed the machine's identity (see photocopy on file). Despite extensive enquiries over many years, the vendor found no comparable surviving example, underlining the extraordinary rarity of this early Matchless.

According to the vendor's friend and advisor, the Matchless was sourced from the Northampton area together with a number of other derelict motorcycles and was subsequently rebuilt to running condition prior to participating in the 2007 Isle of Man TT re-enactment. The machine was carefully assembled using predominantly original parts, with a newly fabricated fuel tank required to replace the severely corroded original. A replacement timing/magneto cover was also produced from a newly made casting. Plans were later made to undertake a full restoration and the machine was dismantled once again; however, the project stalled following a serious illness within the vendor's family. Restoration work had commenced but remains unfinished (the engine turns over).

At the time of cataloguing, the wheel and belt-drive rims were believed to remain with a third party for plating and finishing work, though these may yet become available after the auction. The machine is now accompanied by its hubs, although these were not present at the time the catalogue photographs were taken. Also accompanying the project is a quantity of useful historical material and research documents, including images of the machine in 'as found' condition (possibly once all the parts had been located and the machine reassembled). There is also correspondence from noted marque authorities Mike Sherwin and David Earnshaw, together with photocopies of contemporary articles relating to the model. An exceptionally rare and evocative Edwardian-era project, offering a unique opportunity to acquire what may be the only surviving example of its type.

Condition and completeness unknown, Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding.