1923 Matchless 348cc Model L/2 & Watsonian Tourist Sidecar

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. Early Matchless models 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. Singles were reintroduced in the 1920s, the first of these being the lightweight (220lbs) 350cc Blackburne-engined Model L sidevalve of 1923 (later models used an engine of Matchless manufacture).

The Model L was superseded for 1924 by the long-stroke L/3 - another 'one year only' model - which retained its predecessor's three-speed gearbox and all-chain drive but added a mechanical oil pump to the specification. Curiously, the usually reliable Motor Cycle Index 1913-1924 does not list an L/2, and it is worth noting that this example has the Blackburne engine and hand-pump lubrication. Few Model Ls of any kind survive today.

Its original purchase receipt is on file, recording this Matchless motorcycle's sale new by dealer George L Ginger of Banbury on 29th June 1923 to the current vendor's great uncle, Mr W E C Buller. Mr Buller's Norton was taken in part exchange and the Matchless ended up costing him £60. In 1924 his first child arrived and Mr Buller returned the machine to the supplying dealer to have a Watsonian sidecar attached at an additional cost of £14 7s 6d (bill on file). Also on file are two old-style buff logbooks and a quantity of insurance certificates issued to Mr Buller during the 1930s.

Around 1970, the combination was purchased by the vendor's father and over a number of years was subject to a professional restoration. Completed in 1978, the Matchless was exhibited at numerous shows but never put on the road as neither father nor son held a motorcycle licence. In long-term storage since the 1980s, the machine was inherited by our vendor following his father's death in 2023. Following a period of inactivity the machine will require recommissioning before returning to the road (the tyres are starting to perish and the magneto spark is weak).

In addition to the aforementioned paperwork, the history file also contains correspondence from Motor Cycle editor, Bob Currie; an 'as purchased' photograph from the 1970s; some old invoices; and a V5C Registration Certificate. A delightful and rarely seen Vintage lightweight.

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