Description
Matchless Model X 1938 990cc.
I bought this in 2018, mostly complete but missing a lot of original parts , and rather than wait to find them, I decided to build it to suit no-one but myself.
The engine has had one new main bearing, the rest were perfectly fine and the big ends were good. The valve seats were recut and the very good valves refaced and new Accralite pistons, commissioned by the Brough/ Morgan clubs fitted after the bores were honed to suit.
The long Roadholders were loosely fitted with no head bearings and shoes, spacers and bearings were all missing from the front wheel, so these have all been replaced including head races from Hamrax.
Magneto overhauled and a Brightspark fitted by Paul Wolf (so, done properly).
The headlamp is there just to balance the look out; no lights or loom are fitted, so it is legal.
The rear sprocket was worn out, so an adaptor was turned up and a detachable sprocket fitted; the front sprocket is a 23t to bring the gearing back up
Full stainless exhaust system , including the "silencers", the back pipe was made a bit longer to try and balance the exhaust pipe lengths better than standard.
I cut and made up new mudguards, with a detachable back end so the wheel will come out, just Scotch Brited as I didn't want them to clash with the heavily patinated look I had in mind.
I made a back stand with hefty oval tube and solid plate.
It was missing the timing cover and valve covers, but I managed to buy a timing cover and my brother made the valve covers for me. I have since found a pair of original covers that will go with it.
(There is a sprung small wheel sidecar chassis with all the fittings which was on it at one stage should you wish to have it).
As for the rest, please study the pictures and just ask me anything.
You will note I have made no attempt to polish, plate or paint anything, though putting the petrol tank back on as it came I felt was a step too far.
I couldn't reclaim the original registration number as it was a London number and all records have been destroyed, but the Matchless Owners Club provided a dating letter for me from the matching engine and frame numbers so it has a non-transferable age-related index mark.
Usually starts easy, even from cold, a nice clutch and gearbox, runs fine, just pops and bangs a bit off the throttle. The last picture shows it as bought from Fastlane Classics/ Yeomans.
