c1960 Matchless G80 TCS 'Typhoon' 600cc Motorcycle

Description

From the end of World War Two through to the mid-sixties, British Motorcycles were the machine of choice for American dirt track and desert racing. Names such as BSA, Triumph, AJS, and Matchless were in demand. Matchless made their first motorcycle in 1901, and the successful G80 model was introduced in 1946. The 500cc G80 was popular, but by the late fifties, American buyers demanded more power, and a limited number of high-performance models were developed for the American market. The new model was G80 TCS Typhoon. The Typhoon had a larger bore and stroke, increasing the engine size to 600cc, and was fitted with a 1 3/8 GP carburettor. Matchless' sister brand AJS, marketed a Typhoon version of the AJS Model 18 as well. The Typhoon is a highly collectable bike today, and well restored examples like the one featured here are hard to find. The name Matchless disappeared after 1966, but not before it left a mark on the history of British motorcycle riding in America.