Find Lots

• Auction House:
  Mossgreen
• Sale Name:
  Collectors’ Cars, Motorcycles & Automobilia
• Sale Date:
  27 Nov 2016 ~ 2.30pm
• Lot #:
  63
• Lot Description:
  1929 MATCHLESS SILVER ARROW DELUXE397cc SIDE VALVE NARROW ANGLE V-TWIN
  Frame no: 1013; Engine no: A 947
• Notes:
  Matchless first appeared in the 1890s manufacturing cycles built by Henry Collier, whose sons Charlie and Harry would later join him in the business, based in Plumstead, South London. Soon after, both Collier's sons turned to racing Matchless motorcycles and competed in the inaugural Isle of Man TT race in 1907, Charlie winning the event's single-cylinder class. In 1912, the firm introduced a 500cc single of its own design after initially using JAP proprietary engines. Nevertheless, within a short time Matchless built only V-twins reintroducing single-cylinder models after WWI. Designed by Charlie Collier, the unique Matchless Silver Arrow was built between 1929 to 1933 and is believed to be a small production run of less than 2000 units but this is variously quoted between 1200 and 1700 units built by the end of 1931. It features a cast iron head mono-block side-valve 400cc, narrow angle, transverse 18 degrees V-twin, chain driven engine. The unusually narrow angle of the V utilises a single head - a similar setup as that used by Lancia on its early V4 motors. It uses a single Amal type 4/014 bottom petrol feed carburettor. The engine employs the dry sump lubricating oil management method. The crankshaft is set transversely within the frame and the valve gear operates from a single camshaft skew-driven from the crank. The oil tank is mounted to the front of the crankcase, removing the need for external oil lines. The motorcycle frame is highly innovative for its time by using a cantilever-suspended rear end running in Silentbloc bushes controlled by springs and a friction damper under the rider's seat. There were 2 models available being the Standard with acetylene lighting and a bulb horn and the Deluxe model which had up to date electric lighting and a handsome instrument panel. This fully restored Silver Arrow was purchased by the vendor from a private collector in NSW who had owned it since 1984. The bike had resided on the western side of Sydney since the 1960s and prior to that it had been used for country farm life. It is believed this Matchless was bought new in Australia. The vendor was told that Sydney motorcycle dealer, Barry Graham thought his father may have sold the bike from his shop in the 1930's but this could not be entirely substantiated from his records. This motorcycle has been extensively restored over a period of many years and is recently completed. It is as handsome example with authentic period parts, instrument panel with Jaeger Speedo and model correct 3-speed Sturmey archer gearbox number BSM 58379. The vendor has photographs dating back to the 1970's and original sales brochures and manuals will accompany the sale. This Matchless Silver Arrow has recently covered about 250 km and is said to have performed extremely well. It is purported by research that there are about 4 examples in Australia with 2 residing in museums. There are varying reports of there being between 32 and 70 of this model known to be in existence in the world today which offers a special opportunity to acquire a rare and carefully restored collectable Matchless possibly being 1 of only 4 in Australia. This motorcycle will be sold unregistered
• Estimate:
  A$25,000 - 35,000
• Realised Price:
  *****
  

  Can't see the realised price? Upgrade your subscription now!

• Category:
  Automobiles & Accessories

This Sale has been held and this item is no longer available. Details are provided for information purposes only.