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This being a race bike it does not have paperwork

Highlights

Restored to a very high standard by Steve Wynne - Mike Hailwood’s Ducati race mechanic
Rare and desirable - revered for its performance off-road
In present ownership for the past 35 years
Retains a great many original features and is reportedly matching numbers
Shipping to the UK will cost around 1500£ (from recent correspondence with a NZ shipping agency)

The Appeal

Regarded by Cycle World in period as “somewhat of a thoroughbred”, the Matchless G85CS was renowned for its competence and sheer speed off-road. With a powerful 500cc single-cylinder engine fuelled by an enormous GP carburettor, this Matchless is at its most content with the throttle wide open. Seldom are surviving examples offered for sale, and it’s even rarer to see one in pristine condition.

We’re delighted to offer this beautifully restored G85CS, restored by renowned motorcycle mechanic Steve Wynne. We’re informed that it has been in present ownership for the past 35 years and the vendor has used the bike to participate in classic scrambler events in England. Presented in a “mothballed” state with both the petrol and oil drained for storage, this Matchless is in fantastic condition and could soon be ready to race should the next owner wish to use it in anger.

The History and Paperwork

Believed to have been manufactured in 1966
Not road registered
The vendor informs us that they have owned the Matchless for 35 years
Restored by Mike Hailwood’s Ducati race mechanic Steve Wynne
Carefully preserved with the petrol and oil drained for storage

We’re informed that the bike is a matching numbers example:

Frame No. C/11312
Engine No. G85CS 287
Gearbox No. MA13344CS

The Condition

Totally restored to a really high standard
Remains in excellent overall condition
Very original, with numerous rare factory features preserved

As soon as you set eyes on this Matchless, you realise that the quality of the restoration work is exceedingly high. The paintwork has been expertly applied and the bike has clearly been put back together by someone who knew exactly what they were doing.

We couldn’t see any corrosion or damage to the frame and the vendor assures us that it is in excellent condition. The bars look smart with a bright chrome finish, as do the mudguards. The red paint looks fabulous and we couldn’t see any dents in the fuel tank. There’s no notable wear anywhere to be seen, with no signs of heavy use to the seat or the rubber grips and footpegs. The Dunlop wheels present really well and are shod with aggressive off-road tyres.

The vendor points out some rare original features which include the lightweight aluminium primary chain cover with its aluminium band. This component is inherently very fragile and was often replaced in period for a cast cover from a Matchless G80. The vendor also shows us the original aluminium rock shield between the frame down tubes.

This is a supremely smart bike and would make for a great show piece when not in use.

The Mechanics

500 cc four-stroke single
Four-speed gearbox
GP carburettor
G50 magnesium rear hub
Engine and gearbox rebuilt during the restoration
Current drained of all petrol and engine oil

The vendor comments that the G85CS is immensely fast, with plenty of power. They remark that it proved more tractable than they were expecting when used in classic scrambler events, despite the enormity of its GP carb. We’re informed that the engine and gearbox were both rebuilt during the restoration and there are apparently no issues to report.

Summary

Any Matchless G85CS is an incredibly special motorcycle, but this particular example is particularly fine.

Restored to an exemplary standard and yet retaining so much of its precious originality, this is not one to be missed.

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.

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