1956 Matchless G45

Lot details
Registration No: N/A
Frame No: T.B.A.
Engine No: T.B.A.
cc: 500
MOT Expiry Date: N/A

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 a new race and lap records on it's 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 MK 1's 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 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 TT's. Unfortunately with the death of Ike Hatch in 1953 enthusiasm for the model at AMC seemed to wane. A minor redesign occurred during 1956 with a new frame, seat, rear mudguard, fuel and oil tanks being adopted by the MK 3. 20 machines were produced that year with a further 25 examples planned for the 1957 season of which only 4 were built. In total about 100 examples were built between 1953 and 1957 of which 30 to 40 survive.
The MK3 offered is number 18 of the 20 examples built during 1956 and whilst modified could easily be returned to original condition. It sits on 18" rims and is fitted with a Quaife five speed gearbox, the original four speed unit, damaged at the Manx Grand Prix, is included. The frame has an additional tube between the saddle nose and swinging arm pivot and the lubrication system has been improved. The engine has recently benefitted from a reground crank, new, standard size pistons, valves and springs. The machine has been run recently, see You Tube "Matchless G45 cold start". It is possibly the only 1956 MK 3 G45 extant and thus offers a unique opportunity for the collector.