1954 Matchless G45

Registration No: Unregistered
Frame No: R-T-C107
Engine No: 4-54-1657
CC: 500
MOT: Exempt

• This racing machine of the 1950s era, is just one of around 80 or so made
• The current vendor has had it in his own collection for a few years
• We have been advised that the engine has been fully rebuilt with no known faults
• Only a test run has been done since its completion
• The vendor purchased the G45 from the USA where it was in a private collection
• The gearbox is a New Old Stock Item and has been checked and confirmed
• It will need the usual customary checks before use

The progenitor of the G45 made its first appearance at the 1951 Manx Grand Prix when Robin Sherry rode a machine derived from the G9 twin to 4th. The same motorcycle returned to the Island in 1952, firstly in the hands of Ernie Ring in the 1952 TT and then in the Senior Manx Grand Prix setting new race and lap records on its way to victory in the hands of Derek Farrant. Following these successes development of what was now typed the G45 continued under the direction of H J Hatch with a view to production for the 1953 season for sale to privateers, the MK1s having been the preserve of the factory riders. The engine appeared familiar, resembling the road-going G9 power unit with the 66mm x 72.8mm dimensions of the road model. However, there were considerable differences, the crankshaft was an alloy steel forging with shrunk-on flywheels. The cylinder heads, fitted with Amal GP carburettors, were alloy castings topped by an electron rocker. Items such as the camshafts, springs, valves and pistons also differed from the road-going engine. Chain primary drive took the power to a Burman racing gearbox with the engine and gearbox being housed in cycle parts derived from the 7R. The G45 achieved some remarkable successes on the track during the mid-fifties, including two Senior wins in the New Zealand Grand Prix, a fifth in the 1955 Dutch TT and two sixth places in the 1955 and 1956 TTs. Unfortunately, with the death of Ike Hatch in 1953 enthusiasm for the model at AMC seemed to wane.

This racing machine of the 1950s era, is just one of around 80 or so made. The current vendor has had it in his own collection for a few years. We have been advised that the engine has been fully rebuilt with no known faults. Only a test run has been done since its completion. The vendor purchased the G45 from the USA where it was in another private collection. The gearbox is a New Old Stock item and has been checked and confirmed. It will need the usual customary checks before use.

For more information, please contact:
Mike Davis
mike.davis@handh.co.uk
07718 584217