LOT 46

1962 Matchless 349cc G3C Trials Registration no. 717 UKT Frame no. C9711 Engine no. 61/G3C 2201

Sold for £3,680 inc. premium

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Lot 46

1962 Matchless 349cc G3C Trials

Motorcycles Online - The Summer Sale|15 June 2026, 12:45 BST|Online, Milton Keynes

1962 Matchless 349cc G3C Trials
Registration no. 717 UKT
Frame no. C9711
Engine no. 61/G3C 2201

Using models based on the wartime Matchless G3 military machine, Associated Motor Cycles dominated the UK trials scene in the years immediately after WW2. Stars such as Hugh Viney and Gordon Jackson riding for AJS, and Artie Ratcliffe and Ted Usher for Matchless won countless national events while clubmen everywhere favoured the Plumstead marques' products more than those of any of their rivals. Important steps in the evolution of AMC's trials models included revised steering geometry, an alloy cylinder barrel and 'head, and a lightweight all-welded frame. Introduced for the 1954 season, the latter remained rigid at the rear despite evidence that a 'springer' worked better. In the event, AMC's first attempt at a sprung frame was not an unqualified success, but the much-revised chassis of 1958 worked much better and was further improved by a switch to shorter rear dampers in 1961. And although a 500cc model was offered until the early 1950s, the works boys always favoured the milder and more easily managed 350, as did the vast majority of customers.

This Matchless G3C was previously owned by renowned motoring journalist and racing driver, Dennis 'Jenks' Jenkinson, and bequeathed to the private vendor's late father (see Jenks' letter on file). The private vendor's father restored the Matchless (apparently Jenks had left it in a bit of a mess). Notable features include a 'Canflo' air filter and a custom-made aluminium oil tank.

According to the original RF.60. logbook, the Matchless was dispatched new in 1962 to famed dealers Arter Bros Ltd in Canterbury and sold to the first owner, a Mr Robert Burke of Lincoln, in February 1962. The machine was later sold to Comerfords Ltd in Thames Ditton, to whom is was registered for seven days, passing to the next owner on 20th May 1964. Dennis Jenkinson purchased the Matchless from Ken Heanes Ltd in November 1968. The purchase receipt is on file and the machine also comes with a V5C registration Certificate.
Key not required

Footnotes

BUYER'S PREMIUM
The Buyer's Premium for this Lot is 15%+VAT on the first £500k of the Hammer Price, and 12%+VAT on the balance thereafter.

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.

CONDITIONS OF SALE, AUCTION INFORMATION & GUIDE FOR BUYERS
Please see the 'CONDITIONS OF SALE, AUCTION INFORMATION & GUIDE FOR BUYERS' at the top of the main sale page (Motorcycles Online - The Summer Sale) for all pertinent information regarding bidder's obligations, viewing, bidding, payment, post-sale collection & transportation.

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Additional information

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1962 Matchless 349cc G3C Trials

1962 Matchless 349cc G3C TrialsRegistration no. 717 UKTFrame no. C9711Engine no. 61/G3C 2201

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1962 Matchless 349cc G3C Trials
Registration no. 717 UKT
Frame no. C9711
Engine no. 61/G3C 2201