Hi all,

this is my first post on the forum so a short introduction might be appropriate. I'm following this forum for 9 months now. I'm collecting British and Canadian WW2 memorabilia for about 13 years(they took part in the liberation of our region (Antwerp-Belgium), hence my interest) and last year I decided to go for a bit of "living" history. I'm looking for a good running British motorcycle from the WW2 period. I'm not into re-enactment but driving such a historical vehicle and cherishing it in a proper way seems to be great fun, next to the fact that those bikes are a pleasure to look at. I have no technical background but I'm quite practical so I believe a good runner and a great enthusiast base to collect info from is a good starting point. I focused first on a BSA WM20, which was driven by this fantastic forum and extensive info database but as we speak I might have an opportunity to buy a Matchless G3 (with girder fork indeed). no engine or frame nr yet available but I'm told it dates from 1938/08. I'm wondering if amongst you there are Matchless specialists or others who could help me out assessing whether this is a proper (time correct) bike or not and what to look for to assess whether it's a good one. I know, pictures say more than words but I do not have detailed pictures yet available.

Thanks in advance for helping me out.

Best Regards,
Steven Willems

email (option): stevenjmw@hotmail.com

Hi Steven, very happy to help out. I currently have 2 G3WO Matchlesses and a G3L . You will need to provide us with the frame and engine numbers and preferably some photos. The frame number is on the right side as you sit on the bike on a lug just under the saddle where the front and rear frames are bolted together. The engine number is stamped on the top of the aluminium crankcase just at the base of the barrel on the left side of the bike. Cheers, John

John, Steven sent me an unsolicited set of pictures. Here is just one as a general shot. The frame number picture is unclear but looks like 3533 which makes it from the same contract as mine C5247 1939/40 (panel tank). The engine fitted is a G3L from 1942.

Ron

email (option): ronpier@talk21.com

Thanks Ron for helping me out here. Not yet an expert on posting pictures. With the picture you posted and your comments on engine and framenr, I assume that will do for those who want to react, which I'm looking forward to.

@ John, it might be possible that Fergus contacts you with more details as I pm'd him yesterday too on the bike. Looking forward your feedback too.

email (option): stevenjmw@hotmail.com

Yes, Ron, I forwarded the photos to John. The frame number is 3823 and as Ron says, the engine is stamped 41G3L........but is the top end from a G3 as it has the G3 exhaust extension/collar? Seems to have a 6" headlamp and pannier frames have been added. I noted to Steven to be aware of these deviations from originality and use to negotiate price if he wants it.

Likewise Ferg.

Ron

email (option): ronpier@talk21.com

Hi Steven,

Pleased that your opted to become a G3 owner. I have a 1940 G3 so if I can assist with close up photos or anything just let me know.

Pete

email (option): cruaser@aol.com

Gents,

thank you all for your support and valuable feedback, very much appreciated! I'll probably visit the seller on Monday, hopefully we can come to an agreement...

To John, would you be kind enough to provide me your feedback too (based on the info Fergus provided you)?

To Pete, I'll PM you in a minute with detailed pics, looking forward your opinion too.

BR,
Steven

email (option): stevenjmw@hotmail.com