Description
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
Viewing: Tues 25th March from 1pm
Auction: Wed 26th March from 9am
c1966 Matchless G80CS
No Reserve
Registration No: Unregistered
Frame No: 10922
MOT: Exempt
Matchless G80CS 500cc desert racer model
Rumoured to have been built and sold by Bud Ekins
Supplied with import papers and California US Title
Matchless is one of the oldest marques of British motorcycles, manufactured in Plumstead, London, between 1899 and 1966. A wide range of models was produced under the Matchless name, ranging from small two-strokes to 750 cc four-stroke twins. The marque had a long history of racing success with a Matchless ridden by Charlie Collier winning the first single-cylinder race in the first Isle of Man TT in 1907. An amalgamation with AJS in 1931 formed Associated Motor Cycles which continued until the group's closure in the mid-60s. The 500cc G80CS was a competition motorcycle aimed at the US market where the bike was the one to beat in off-road events such as Hare n Hounds, Scrambles and Desert Races that were popular in the 1950s and 60s. Success in these events ridden by riders such as Bud Ekins and Walt Fulton ensured a healthy demand for this somewhat heavy but bulletproof model.
This G80CS, being offered at 'no reserve', is from a deceased estate, so unfortunately not much is known of its history. Bought by the vendor and re-patriated to the UK in 2011 from California, the bike was thought to have been built by Bud Ekins and sold by him around 2005/ 6 at a Mid America Auction in Las Vegas. Included in the sale is a record of email conversations the vendor had with previous owners in the US to try to verify this. It is presented in authentically restored condition with the correct 'Red Label' Lucas competition mag, high level exhaust and alloy mudguards. A rare model on these shores, it has been stood for a number of years, so will need recommissioning before use, but the engine turns over on the kickstart. It comes supplied with a California Title and various paperwork concerning its import to aid in registering the bike in the UK.
