Lot details Registration No: LWB 968 Frame No: 40263 Engine No: 49/G3L/1186B cc: 350 MOT Expiry Date: None
Matchless was founded in the late 1890s by the Collier family in Plumstead, South London. Brothers Charlie and Harry Collier were leading pioneer bike racers; Charlie riding a Matchless to victory in the single-cylinder event at the first ever Isle of Man TT race in 1907, Harry winning two years later. Having taken over AJS in 1931, Matchless were to become a key part of the Associated Motor Cycles group, the marque becoming one of the major names in the British motorcycling industry until their eventual demise in 1969.
The G3L was introduced in 1941, mainly for use by the armed forces. The 350cc bike featured Teledraulics, the first British machine to have hydraulically damped forks which were developed from a set of forks acquired from BMW. The G3L was produced by Matchless until 1955.
This particular 350 machine was brought brand new in 1949 at a cost of £155 by a Mr H Johnson, in whose hands it was ridden just 9000 miles before it came into the National Motor Museum Trust Collection in December 1989. Having been on display for some time, it has had to be stored in recent years due to space restrictions for exhibits at the Museum. When entered, the mileage had only risen to 9119, while the current condition is described as being generally good, though the bike could respond well to some tidying.
PLEASE NOTE: There is no V5 with this motorcycle.
All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.
You can collect your new pride and joy from our venue until 1pm the day following the sale or our partners are on hand to help arrange safe transportation:
If so, contact one of our friendly specialists for your free valuation by completing the form below and someone will get back to you as quickly as possible.
If you prefer to speak to humans, don't hesitate to call our office on +44 (0)1925 210035