AJS & Matchless Owners Club

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.

FVE 262 was issued in Cambridgeshire between March and August 1947

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

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/

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

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

There's a '47 G3L already 'done up' at Klattering Classics........

http://www.kettering-classics.com/store ... duct=24519

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

G3L1946 wrote: ↑Mon Nov 29, 2021 4:43 pm 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.......

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.

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