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2013 Shannons Sydney Autumn Classic Auction
Lot
S

c1953 Matchless G3 Trials 350 Motorcycle

$10,500

Sold

Specifications

Engine Competition(alloy)350cc Single-cylinder
Gearbox 4-Speed manual
Colour Green

Description

This lot is no longer available

Matchless is one of the oldest marques of British motorcycles, manufactured in Plumstead, London, between 1899 and 1966. A wide range of models were produced under the Matchless name, ranging from small two-strokes to 750 cc four-stroke twins. Matchless had a long history of racing success; a Matchless ridden by Charlie Collier won the first single-cylinder race in the first Isle of Man TT in 1907.In 1938, Matchless and AJS became part of Associated Motorcycles (AMC), both companies producing models under their own marques. During the Second World War, Matchless manufactured 80,000 G3 and G3L models for the armed forces. By 1956 they had eight models in their line up, but the number had dwindled in 1965. The G3L was the first to feature the "Teledraulic" front forks.
During the amalgamations that occurred in the British motorcycle industry in the 1960s, the Matchless four-stroke twin was replaced with the Norton twin, ending a long history of independent production. By 1967, the Matchless singles had ceased production.