Description
This motorcycle is Lot 58 to be auctioned by Bonhams at the Timed-Online June Sale, please see the Bonhams website for full details. The timed online auction runs between June 6th through June 16th, with lots closing from midday June 16th 2025.
Public Viewing:
Available 11th & 12th June 2025 from 09:00 until 17:00, by appointment only at Bonhams Milton Keynes.
Lot 58
c. 1961/ 1956 Matchless 400cc G3L Trials
Registration no. KSJ 884
Frame no. 12947 (see text)
Engine no. 56/ G3L 1782 C
Using models based on the wartime Matchless G3 military machine, AMC dominated the UK trials scene in the immediate post-WW2 years. Stars such as Hugh Viney and Gordon Jackson riding for AJS and Artie Ratcliffe and Ted Usher for Matchless won countless national events, while clubmen everywhere favoured the Plumstead marques’ products more than those of any of their rivals. Important steps in the evolution of AMC’s trials models included revised steering geometry, an alloy cylinder barrel and ’head, and a lightweight all-welded frame. Introduced for the 1954 season, the latter remained rigid at the rear despite evidence that a ‘springer’ worked better. In the event, AMC’s first attempt at a sprung frame was not an outstanding success, but the much-revised chassis of 1958 worked much better and was further improved by a switch to shorter rear dampers in 1961. And although a 500cc model was offered until the early 1950s, the works boys always favoured the milder and more easily managed 350, as did the vast majority of customers.
This Matchless G3L Trials formerly belonged to the current vendor's late husband. The machine is very much a 'bitsa', albeit with believed genuine competition crankcases that left the factory in 1956 in a rigid competition frame. It appears the alloy cylinder barrel has been shortened at its base, probably to facilitate the fitting of a piston from a Triumph or BSA twin to increase the engine capacity to approximately 400cc. The frame appears to be a modern copy of the late factory all-welded frame used only for the trials singles. The frame number is that of a roadster and could have been 'borrowed' from either a heavyweight or lightweight single; it is definitely not a competition frame number stamped by the factory.
Carrying a tax disc that expired on 31st March 2005 and not ridden for circa 20 years, the machine will require re-commissioning or possibly more extensive restoration following its period of storage/ inactivity and thus is sold strictly as viewed. It should be noted that the HPI database records the previous colour as Black. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's originality, authenticity, engine capacity and mechanical condition prior to bidding.
Accompanying documents include the following:
• Old-style V5C Registration Certificate
• Photocopy old V5C
• Expired MoTs
• 2005 purchased receipt
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
