Highlights

Fresh from extensive, photographically-documented restoration
Subsequently garaged with very little use
Presented in truly phenomenal, concours-standard condition

The Appeal

In pre-war Britain, a fairly austere time for many people, the market for very big one-litre motorcycles was limited, but those who could afford them rejoiced in them.

Two in particular are memorable – the Brough Superior and the Vincent Rapide, which appeared in 1922 and 1936 respectively. We mustn’t forget the Matchless Model X, though, launched in 1929 as a serious rival to the prestigious Brough Superior S.S.80.

The name of the Model X is not so well-known next to Brough but, at least when it launched, it was probably a better bike than the S.S.80. Certainly, Brough must have taken that view, since it started buying Model X engines to fit in the S.S.80 in place of the JAP unit it had used previously.

In 1929, seven years before Vincent’s Rapide arrived, the name Matchless couldn’t have been more apt – it only had one serious rival in Brough Superior, which conceded that it was better off using Matchless engines.

The prodigious V-twin would propel the Model X to 80mph, and it could hit 70 mph from a standing start within a quarter-mile, but it wasn’t just about speed and power.

It was also strong and sturdy, and the reinforced rear frame made it ideally suited to carrying big touring sidecars. It was summed up by The Motor Cycle as ‘delightful’, and it remained one of the very best motorcycles on the market until production ended in 1940 following the outbreak of war.

They’re very rare and don’t appear for sale often, so we doubt you’ll get a chance to buy a better one than this. Freshly restored since being imported into Italy by the vendor in 2017, no expense has been spared in getting it to the very best condition.

Mechanically and cosmetically, it leaves virtually nothing to be desired and could be a serious contender for concours awards.

The History and Paperwork

Restored once in England by L. A. Whitmore & Co. of Norfolk
Purchased by the vendor from an English collection in 2017 and imported into Italy
Subjected to a full, painstaking cosmetic and mechanical restoration in 2019 by A. Erisimo Motociclette Classic e Vintage
Sadly, it must be offered for sale as the vendor has had to give up motorcycling
Paperwork includes the relevant Italian import and registration documents and a dating certificate from the AJS & Matchless Owners’ Club

The Condition

Restored to the very highest standard by A. Erisimo in 2019
Fully repainted and rechromed
All work photographically documented
A serious potential concours contender

Most people have never set eyes on a Matchless Model X before but, even if you have, you’ve probably never seen one as good as this.

Restored to the very highest standard in 2019 by A. Erisimo Motociclette Classic e Vintage and used very sparingly since, it is immaculate almost beyond belief. To begin with, it was stripped right back to the bare frame and then repainted and reassembled. We have looked very closely and cannot find fault with it.

The paint has been applied beautifully and has not acquired the slightest damage, as far as we can see. Obviously, new decals have been used, and the comfortable sprung Lycett seat has been recovered. The wheels and tyres are in excellent condition.

All the brightwork is exceptional; even on some of the best restorations, we are used to seeing it acquire a slight patina from exposure to the weather, but this has nothing of the sort.

Admittedly, there’s not as much brightwork on this bike as there is on some other bikes of the same age, but look at the handlebars as a case in point – they look to us to be totally unblemished.

Since the restoration, the Matchless has always been kept garaged, hence it has had no opportunity at all to deteriorate.

The Mechanics

Engine overhauled, along with the coil and magneto
New valves and clutch
Brakes also completely overhauled

We can see from the bike’s visual appearance that its restoration was thorough and exacting, so we naturally expect the mechanical restoration to have been completed to the same high standard.

The engine was dismantled so it could be inspected for damage, and since it was found to be generally in excellent condition, it was rebuilt with new parts as necessary.

Only the valves and clutch had to be replaced, while the coil and magneto were fully refurbished and overhauled. The brakes, likewise, received a comprehensive overhaul. As with the framework, the mechanical work has been photographically documented.

Once back on the road, the vendor submitted the bike for its Italian roadworthiness inspection, which it passed and which remains valid until 2024. Until that comes round for renewal, you can enjoy two years of uninterrupted and very pleasant riding.

The vendor advises that the engine is in superb condition, runs brilliantly and gives excellent acceleration. He says it changes gear well and brakes just as well as it should by the standards of the 1930s.

We are assured that that the engine does not smoke or leak fluids and there are no unwanted noises, just the magnificent roar of the twin exhaust pipes.

Since the restoration, the vendor has covered 368 miles (592 km) riding through the hills of Padua and has been extremely satisfied, with one oil change already performed.

Summary

Overshadowed nowadays by the indomitable reputation of the Brough Superior, the Matchless is arguably the more interesting bike on account of its scarcity, and the fact that the Brough actually borrowed its engine.

Leaving comparisons aside, we can say for certain that the Matchless is one of the most beautiful bikes of the 1930s, with wonderful proportions and a really commanding presence on the road thanks to its size and the steady beat of the enormous V-twin.

This one is in the best mechanical and cosmetic condition, so it promises to be a joy to ride, but it could also be a concours star if you fancied it.

It’ll draw crowds of admirers wherever you go.

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