Matchless Model X

Well what a beauty. A rebuilt and restored machine which was clearly done properly and has been allowed to collect some patina and develop some character in recent years. The last one of these that came through our workshop just didn’t want to leave but this one couldn’t wait to get out! We love them like this, clearly mechanically excellent and now set up perfectly with sparks and fuelling all working in harmony to provide a remarkably brisk and yet relaxed performance only really found on a 1000cc V-twin. There is some slack in the girder fork linkages; that’s about all you’d want to do on this one as far as we can see. The engine starts easily and is mechanically very quiet, a little smoke which clears when run (it does wet-sump, they all do). Responds well to all controls and idles at lower revs with the ignition fully retarded than demonstrated in the video. All electrics work and it charges well, regulated electronically by a modern regulator hidden in the old casing. Brakes are good, front end a bit shaky due to the slack fork linkages but it is very rideable as it is. I particularly like the hand painted registration numbers with is typical of he attention to detail and quality of the restoration work completed about 25 years ago.

This is a matching numbers 1938 machine first registered on 3rd July 1944, probably due to the war. There is a good documented ownership history on file and some pictures of the bike pre and post-restoration. This machine was bought new by Mr Scott of Terrington St Clement and passed to Cyril Crowe of Sandringham in 1957; a motorcycle enthusiast, Vincent specialist and engineer. He never sold the bike and it was inherited his brother in law in a state of disrepair. A complete rebuild and restoration was started and included the manufacture of the magnificent stainless steel exhaust system you see fitted today. The restoration was completed by the next owner who bought the bike in 2000. After twelve years of reliable use and responsible ownership it was passed on in great shame and the last owner has used it infrequently as part of a significant collection of exceptional motorcycles and cars. There are some detailed descriptions of the work done and testimonies to previous owners on file. Altogether a fine machine with provenance and it is a pleasure to ride.