Matchless model identification please
- G3L1946
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- Joined: Tue Feb 25, 2020 1:57 pm
- Location: North Yorkshire UK
Matchless model identification please
Good afternoon all,
I’ve just completed my first restoration of a Matchless 1955 G3LS. Sharp learning curve but most rewarding.
My next project is to find, and then restore, a Matchless G3 of the model/ year shown in the photograph. This was my late fathers motorcycle in the 40’s. I just need some help correctly identifying the model and year. I’m pretty sure it’s a 1946 G3L. However, it could be a 47 or 48. Any way of telling or are there any differences? The registration was FVE 262. I appreciate there’s not much of the machine in view but it’s all I’ve got. Anyone point me to someone that has one that needs a good home?
All information much appreciated.
Regards to all,
Snowy North Yorkshire.
I’ve just completed my first restoration of a Matchless 1955 G3LS. Sharp learning curve but most rewarding.
My next project is to find, and then restore, a Matchless G3 of the model/ year shown in the photograph. This was my late fathers motorcycle in the 40’s. I just need some help correctly identifying the model and year. I’m pretty sure it’s a 1946 G3L. However, it could be a 47 or 48. Any way of telling or are there any differences? The registration was FVE 262. I appreciate there’s not much of the machine in view but it’s all I’ve got. Anyone point me to someone that has one that needs a good home?
All information much appreciated.
Regards to all,
Snowy North Yorkshire.
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- les ward
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- Location: WILTSHIRE UK
Re: Matchless model identification please
FVE 262 was issued in Cambridgeshire between March and August 1947
- G3L1946
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Re: Matchless model identification please
Hi Les,
That would make sense. The family comes from Cambridgeshire and, before joining up,
dad lived in a village about 6 miles south of the City.
Thanks,
Steve
That would make sense. The family comes from Cambridgeshire and, before joining up,
dad lived in a village about 6 miles south of the City.
Thanks,
Steve
-
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- Location: WEST SUSSEX UK
Re: Matchless model identification please
The fork sliders are bare alloy in your pic but they were painted black according to factory drawings and the petrol tank lining is different.
(Disclaimer: Not all factory docs were 100% correct).
Here's a factory poster of a '46 G3L
http://archives.jampot.dk/promotional/S ... _color.pdf
and a '47
http://archives.jampot.dk/promotional/S ... _color.pdf
More under 'Promotional' and 'Pictures' in Christians Archive here:
http://archives.jampot.dk/
(Disclaimer: Not all factory docs were 100% correct).
Here's a factory poster of a '46 G3L
http://archives.jampot.dk/promotional/S ... _color.pdf
and a '47
http://archives.jampot.dk/promotional/S ... _color.pdf
More under 'Promotional' and 'Pictures' in Christians Archive here:
http://archives.jampot.dk/
'There is a tide in the affairs of men
Which taken at the flood............'
Which taken at the flood............'
- G3L1946
- Member
- Posts: 542
- Joined: Tue Feb 25, 2020 1:57 pm
- Location: North Yorkshire UK
Re: Matchless model identification please
Hi Spriddler & Les,
Thank you for that interesting information with links. Funny how things happen! Just as I ask the question I take a look in an old envelope and find the receipt for it! Purchased on 28th June 1951( later than I thought ) for the princely sum of £75-0-0 from some long closed down garage in Cambridgeshire. Shows as a 1947 350cc Matchless motorcycle. A nice 2d stamp with the sellers signature across it as proof of sale. Now all I have to do is find one to do up!
Thanks all,
Steve
Thank you for that interesting information with links. Funny how things happen! Just as I ask the question I take a look in an old envelope and find the receipt for it! Purchased on 28th June 1951( later than I thought ) for the princely sum of £75-0-0 from some long closed down garage in Cambridgeshire. Shows as a 1947 350cc Matchless motorcycle. A nice 2d stamp with the sellers signature across it as proof of sale. Now all I have to do is find one to do up!
Thanks all,
Steve
- G3L1946
- Member
- Posts: 542
- Joined: Tue Feb 25, 2020 1:57 pm
- Location: North Yorkshire UK
Re: Matchless model identification please
Hi Spriddler & Les,
Thank you for that interesting information with links. Funny how things happen! Just as I ask the question I take a look in an old envelope and find the receipt for it! Purchased on 28th June 1951( later than I thought ) for the princely sum of £75-0-0 from some long closed down garage in Cambridgeshire. Shows as a 1947 350cc Matchless motorcycle. A nice 2d stamp with the sellers signature across it as proof of sale. Now all I have to do is find one to do up!
Thanks all,
Steve
Thank you for that interesting information with links. Funny how things happen! Just as I ask the question I take a look in an old envelope and find the receipt for it! Purchased on 28th June 1951( later than I thought ) for the princely sum of £75-0-0 from some long closed down garage in Cambridgeshire. Shows as a 1947 350cc Matchless motorcycle. A nice 2d stamp with the sellers signature across it as proof of sale. Now all I have to do is find one to do up!
Thanks all,
Steve
-
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- Location: WEST SUSSEX UK
Re: Matchless model identification please
There's a '47 G3L already 'done up' at Klattering Classics........
http://www.kettering-classics.com/store ... duct=24519
http://www.kettering-classics.com/store ... duct=24519
'There is a tide in the affairs of men
Which taken at the flood............'
Which taken at the flood............'
- G3L1946
- Member
- Posts: 542
- Joined: Tue Feb 25, 2020 1:57 pm
- Location: North Yorkshire UK
Re: Matchless model identification please
Hi Spriddler,
Very nice. Afraid pension won’t run to that sort of money and I really get my enjoyment out of the ‘restoration’ side of things ( gets me out the way of jobs the little lady always seems to find me ). However, if I had the money?
Thanks,
Steve
Very nice. Afraid pension won’t run to that sort of money and I really get my enjoyment out of the ‘restoration’ side of things ( gets me out the way of jobs the little lady always seems to find me ). However, if I had the money?
Thanks,
Steve
-
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- Location: WEST SUSSEX UK
Re: Matchless model identification please
I don't have the patience to do restoration. My much-travelled '54 G3LS that I've had for nearly 20 years is cosmetically awful but mechanically totally reliable.
I sold my one previous owner '47 Ajay Model 18 after 6 months' ownership because it was in beautiful condition and I'm not a fit person to look after a 'nice' bike.
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'There is a tide in the affairs of men
Which taken at the flood............'
Which taken at the flood............'
- G3L1946
- Member
- Posts: 542
- Joined: Tue Feb 25, 2020 1:57 pm
- Location: North Yorkshire UK
Re: Matchless model identification please
Hi,
That certainly looks a smart bike! I’ve got limited patience but unlimited time! So, with a bit of blending, I manage it O.K.
I just find the renovation side relaxing. It allows me to forget all the other c**p that’s going on in the world.
Stay safe,
Steve
That certainly looks a smart bike! I’ve got limited patience but unlimited time! So, with a bit of blending, I manage it O.K.
I just find the renovation side relaxing. It allows me to forget all the other c**p that’s going on in the world.
Stay safe,
Steve