Description
This motorcycle is Lot 356 - To be auctioned by Bonhams at The Spring Stafford Sale (The International Classic MotorCycle Show) on 26th & 27th April, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 101 - 147 are to be sold from 14:00 on Saturday 26th April 2025.
Lots 201 - 410 are to be sold from 11:00 on Sunday 27th April 2025.
Public Viewing:
Available 26th & 27th April 2025 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Stafford County Showground (The International Classic MotorCycle Show).
Lot 356
c. 1956 Matchless 500cc G45 Racing Motorcycle
Frame no. RTC 19 4-53 and 116
Engine no. G/ 45 193
Gearbox no. G45 E 54 6S
Present ownership since April 2018
Engine removed and overhauled in October 2018
Ridden at the 2019 Festival of 1000 Bikes
Offered from a private collection
Requires recommissioning
The prototype of what would become the G45 first appeared at the '51 Manx Grand Prix ridden by Robin Sherry, eventually finishing 4th after a promising debut. In fact, the G45 was not an entirely new design but essentially a hybrid comprised of AJS 7R-based cycle parts and a tuned Matchless G9 roadster engine equipped with a new aluminium-alloy cylinder barrel and 'head.
In 1952 the prototype G45 garnered much valuable publicity, and not a little controversy, when Derek Farrant won the Senior Manx Grand Prix after leading from start to finish. Strictly speaking, a works prototype had no business in an event for amateurs riding over-the-counter machines, but AMC quickly announced that a production G45 would be available for 1953. Although still based on that of the G9, the production version's engine incorporated a different camshaft and breathed via a pair of Amal GP carburettors. Claimed power output was 48bhp, increasing on later models to 54 horsepower. Apart from revised valve gear and the eventual adoption of a forged crankshaft, the G45 changed little over the course of its life. Production ceased in 1957 after around 80 machines had been built, of which it is believed approximately half survive today.
This G45's '116' frame number decodes as number '16' in the production run of April 1953. Purchased by a well-known UK collector in the early 1980s, it was sold to Gualberto Piani in 1987. He sold it to Mauro Gomiero in November 2007 and one month later it was sold to Michael Steele. In 2010 it joined a collection in Essex before being purchased by the late owner in April 2018 - described then as spectacular, and still presenting extremely well.
In October 2018 the engine was removed for inspection. Repairs carried out included new cam roller assemblies, while the steel crankshaft was dismantled for cleaning and measuring and found to be in good condition. New main and big-end bearing shells were obtained and fitted together with new main-bearing rollers. The crankcases needed some cleaning around the cam tunnel from previous damage. New centre oil retaining tunnels were obtained. Some damaged gears were replaced. An original rebuilt Lucas racing magneto replaced the existing K2F, while the twin Amal GP carbs were stripped and cleaned. The wheels were removed for inspection and re-shod with new Avon racing tyres. The oil tank was removed and flushed out, as was the gearbox and forks. All oils were changed (those used were of traditional mineral type).
The Matchless was ridden at the 2019 Festival of 1, 000 Bikes but it is not known when it was last used. However, it has been kept in the late owner's immaculate heated private museum, having been cosseted by him throughout his ownership. Offered with a file of paperwork. Key not required.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
