Just like Rip Van Winkle, this Matchless has taken a 20 year nap where it has only been on display. It’ll need some work before it’s ready for the road, but it sure is beautiful.
The CS (Competition Suspension) was the top of the line G80 model (except for the super-rare Typhoon G80TCS). Matchless’ marketing suggested that all you had to do to race was remove the lights – so with this bike you’ve already got the first step taken care of.
The near-square 497cc engine was fed by an Amal Monobloc carb and was capable of pushing this 380 pound bike to just over 90 miles per hour. The bike was not light and the engine was tuned to provide power across a broad powerband rather than for maximum peak numbers. For more information, check out this fantastic period review from 1963 in Cycle World, hosted by Jampot.dk.
This bike (VIN: 61/G80CS4190) has spent the last 20 years in display in a large private collection. The seller recently acquired it and says that while the previous owner claims the bike is original and unrestored, that it’s just too nice for that to be the case. In the seller’s words, “But I know this gentleman [previous owner] and take him at his word that during his 20 years of ownership, HE has not restored the bike. If it was restored, it was done more than 20 years ago – and looks bloody marvelous!”
Find this Matchless for sale in Lindenhurst, New York with bidding up to $5,500 and the reserve not yet met