Description
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
Viewing: Tues 24th March from 1pm
Auction: Wed 25th March from 9am
Location: National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ
1947 Matchless G80L Scrambler
From the Keith Mason collection
Estimate
£2, 500 - £3, 500
Registration No: Un-Registered
Frame No: Not Seen
MOT: Exempt
Early post war G80L in Scrambler trim
Evocative of a lost era of off-road riding
Tele front forks with a rigid rear end
A lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, Keith Mason started working in his local bike shop at the age of 15 before eventually branching out on his own a few years later. From humble beginnings selling secondhand bikes from a small shop, Keith built up the Moto GB empire to become one of the biggest motorcycle retailers and importers in the UK. The group has now grown to include 15 retail shops and is responsible for importing 9 different brands, also supplying many independent dealers, including QJ Motor, Voge, Lambretta, FB Mondial, Morbidelli, SYM and Hero. Keith sadly passed away in 2023, but in recent years he had put together a fantastic collection of his favourite classic bikes, ranging from a humble Honda Express to a beautiful Vincent Black Shadow, documenting his lifetime in the trade. We are pleased to offer all 31 bikes from this collection in our March sale.
Matchless is one of the oldest names in British motorcycling, manufactured in Plumstead, London, between 1899 and 1966. A wide range of models was produced under the Matchless name, ranging from small two-strokes to 750 cc four-stroke twins. The marque had a long history of racing success with a Matchless ridden by Charlie Collier winning the single-cylinder race in the first Isle of Man TT in 1907. An amalgamation with AJS in 1931 formed Associated Motor Cycles, which continued until the group's closure in the mid-60s. Very often, two very similar bikes were offered by AMC as either Matchless or AJS, with not much more than the tank badges distinguishing one marque from the other. The G80 was a single cylinder 500 cc built between 1946 and 1966, and together with its equivalent AJS Model 18 was one of AMCs best selling models. This early post war G80 is in 'Scrambler' trim and is evocative of a different era in off road riding. In the days of bikes now having 12" of suspension travel front and rear, riders back in the day made do with perhaps 3" at the front and a rigid rear end with just a sprung saddle for comfort. Not much is known of its history, but it is presented in authentic oily rag condition with alloy guards and a straight through exhaust, as an off road bike, it is not registered. This machine is being sold as a collector’s item, part of Keith Mason's stunning private collection of Vintage and Classic machines that have all been dry stored for several years and will require recommissioning before use.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
