c1954 Matchless G45 500cc Production Racer Motorcycle

Description

One of the most well established names in the motorcycle industry, Matchless was founded by Henry Collier in 1891 who developed his first engine by 1899 and was manufacturing motorcycles in Plumstead, London for sale by 1902. A wide range of models was produced under the Matchless name, ranging from diminutive two-strokes to 750cc four-stroke twins giving Matchless a long history of racing success.In 1938, Matchless and AJS became part of Associated Motorcycles, both companies producing models under their own marques. Introduced during the 1950s, the Matchless G45 gave the private entrant an opportunity to be involved in motorcycle Grand Prix events. In post-war racing the 350 7R AJS became one of the most popular of mounts for the aspiring TT rider.
For those who wished to graduate to the 500cc category, the option was generally restricted to the Manx Norton or for the more adventurous, perhaps the Grand Prix Triumph.
With the release of the G45 Matchless to the private owner in 1953, the racing fraternity saw it as a worthy competitor to the trusty Norton.
Its engine was a derivative of the G9 roadster; suitably modified. With such a pedigree for good-handling and reliability, it seemed to be the basis for a thoroughbred racer.
The G45 first appeared as a prototype at the 1951 Manx Grand Prix, where it was taken to a worthy 4th place behind three Nortons.
The bike's first conspicuous victory was the 1952 Senior Manx Grand Prix. Soon the G45 began appearing at the Isle of Man and at mainland events, and by all accounts its performance was on a par with a standard Manx Norton.
At the 1953 Senior TT, eleven G45s went for the start and four reached the finish line, the following year brought a similar scenario, with 10 finishers from 14 starters.
In 1955 Matchless fielded an official works team for the Senior TT; with Derek Ennett registering the best-ever G45 result with his 6th place. Total production only ran to less than 100 examples; and in 1959 it was superseded by the 7R's bigger brother, the Matchless G50.The Matchless G45 is by far one of the most visually attractive race machines ever produced and is certainly a rare commodity in today's classic bike market.