Highlights
- Owned by the vendor since 1967
- Restored in the workshops at the Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum
- One of the pre-eminent sports bikes of the era
The Appeal
According to contemporary road tests, few pre-war motorcycles came close to the Matchless Model X in terms of performance, handling and long distance touring ability.
So mechanically sound was their V-twin engine that it even met the approval of Brough Superior’s exacting engineers finding its way into the SS80 shortly before the outbreak of the Second World War.
So mechanically sound was their V-twin engine that it even met the approval of Brough Superior’s exacting engineers finding its way into the SS80 shortly before the outbreak of the Second World War.
Here we have a delightful Model X, first registered in November 1937 and featuring the shortened frame that transformed the pre-war Matchless into the capable tourer they became renowned for.
It has been cherished by the current owner since 1967, making them only the third ever owner.
It has been cherished by the current owner since 1967, making them only the third ever owner.
Seldom does the opportunity to acquire a motorcycle of this age and quality present itself, let alone one that has had so few owners.
If that wasn’t good enough, this one was restored at motorcycling legend Sammy Miller’s workshops, likely making it one of the best examples around today.
If that wasn’t good enough, this one was restored at motorcycling legend Sammy Miller’s workshops, likely making it one of the best examples around today.
The History and Paperwork
- We’re informed that the first owner was Works Foreman at Les Archer dealership in Aldershot
- The second owner apparently acquired the bike in 1964
- The vendor purchased the Matchless in 1967
- Was equipped with a sidecar until 1964
- Restored 2014-2015 at the Sammy Miller Museum workshop in Hampshire
- V5C present
- Invoices for recent mechanical work (2022)
- Invoice for Sammy Miller restoration
- Period registration documents
- Instruction book and parts catalogue
- Last used in August 2022
- Last serviced in July 2022
The Condition
- Fully restored and repainted by Sammy Miller Motorcycles
- The intricate paint scheme has been painstakingly reproduced
- Excellent brightwork
Anyone who has been to see the sizable Sammy Miller collection in Hampshire will know that the work of their in-house restoration team is sublime.
This Matchless is no exception and the invoice from the restoration work shows that no expense was spared when it came to ensuring this bike was made absolutely right.
This Matchless is no exception and the invoice from the restoration work shows that no expense was spared when it came to ensuring this bike was made absolutely right.
Endeavouring to retain as many original parts as possible, most of the bike’s componentry was restored.
Amongst the replacement parts were the headlamp, one handlebar, silencers, tail lamp and horn button. One of the wheels was replaced, the other being restored with new tyres and inner tubes fitted to both.
Amongst the replacement parts were the headlamp, one handlebar, silencers, tail lamp and horn button. One of the wheels was replaced, the other being restored with new tyres and inner tubes fitted to both.
We really find it hard to fault anything on this bike which the vendor tells us has won several awards since restoration.
The quality of the paintwork is truly excellent, the original colour scheme having been replicated with an impressive level of detail.
We couldn’t detect any blemishes of note in the paint or chrome and while this bike has been used, it has been very carefully looked after by its current owner.
The quality of the paintwork is truly excellent, the original colour scheme having been replicated with an impressive level of detail.
We couldn’t detect any blemishes of note in the paint or chrome and while this bike has been used, it has been very carefully looked after by its current owner.
The Mechanics
- 990cc V-twin
- Starts, runs and rides really well
- Magneto fault rectified in July 2022
Out on the road, it is amazing how accomplished this bike feels when you consider that it was built 85 years ago.
It has a real turn of speed, light steering and admirable road manners which are impressive even by today’s standards.
It has a real turn of speed, light steering and admirable road manners which are impressive even by today’s standards.
The vendor informs us that it runs really well and rides exactly as it should. Remember they have owned this Model X for 55 years so are well placed to report upon how it should ride!
The bike was last serviced in July 2022 where a fault with the magneto was rectified.
The bike was last serviced in July 2022 where a fault with the magneto was rectified.
Summary
Here we have a fantastic example of one of the most innovative touring bikes ever made.
We wonder if its next owner shall be so smitten that they are compelled to keep hold of it for over half a century as the vendor has…
We wonder if its next owner shall be so smitten that they are compelled to keep hold of it for over half a century as the vendor has…
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