1957 Matchless G11 600 Clubman Motorcycle

Description

With a history dating back to 1899, when the first experimental prototype was built by Henry Collier and his sons Charlie and Harry, the Matchless company was a one of the pioneering British motorcycle manufacturers. Commercial production commenced in London in 1901 and Matchless soon established a fine reputation - both on the road and in competition, with the Colliers regularly campaigning their own products. Matchless famously won the ACU 1000-Mile Reliability Trial in 1903 and the single-cylinder class at the inaugural Isle of Man TT in 1907. Over the next two decades Matchless expanded rapidly, taking over AJS in 1931 and Sunbeam in 1937, with the resulting group renamed Associated Motor Cycles (AMC) the following year. In 1956 AMC launched two new motorcycles, the Matchless G11 and virtually identical stablemate AJS Model 30, developed in response to growing demand for more powerful bikes, particularly from export markets like America. By increasing the bore size of the G9's existing 500cc unit, the G11 displaced 592cc with 7.5:1 compression, resulting in a solid output of 33 brake horsepower and a top speed approaching 100 mph. The G11 also benefited from a brand new frame, with a vertical seat tube and other changes to the geometry, while the gearbox was initially a Burman B52 type, replaced by an AMC unit from 1957 onwards. Other welcome improvements made across the Matchless range in 1956 included a larger, reshaped oil tank with matching tool compartment, the horn hidden beneath the saddle, relocated primary chain adjuster and improved brakes. AMC continued to buy in shock absorbers, using Girling items at the rear of the G11. The largest, most expensive bike in the Matchless range was distinguished by having chrome side panels on the fuel tank and the overall appearance of the G11 was particularly sleek.