Description
8th Dec, 2024 10:00
The December 2024 Auction
1960 Matchless G12 De Luxe
British war time motorcycle
Estimate
£2, 500 - £3, 000
Buyer's premium: 15. 00%
Lot details
Registration: XSR 413
Frame: A75018
Odometer: 32, 075
MOT: Exempt
650cc air cool parallel twin
De Luxe edition
Same owner since 1985
Part of a loved private collection
Original V5
Duplicate registration booklet
Really nice example
The Matchless G12 was one of the last motorcycles designed under the Matchless name. It was also produced as the AJS Model 31 by the same company. Designed by Phil Walker, AMC knew that it had to be a 650cc (39. 7 cu in) but wanted to use as many parts from the Model 11 as possible. The cylinders could not be bored out further so the stroke was lengthened from 72. 8 to 79. 3 mm (2. 87 to 3. 12 in), resulting in a capacity of 646 cc (39. 4 cu in). This meant developing a new crankshaft and primary chaincase, which also provided the opportunity to add a Lucas alternator. Volume production began in September 1958.
In 1959 the G12 was redesigned and modernised as the De Luxe with a new full cradle tubular duplex frame and a new cylinder head. Vibration had always been a problem, so the crankshaft was upgraded to nodular iron. Capable of 100 mph (160 km/ h) performance, the G12 became popular with the American market.
