The outbreak of war in September 1939 found the British Army ill prepared for hostilities, not the least with regard to its transportation arrangements. The result was the wholesale commandeering of civilian motorcycles for despatch, reconnaissance, convoy patrol and other duties. Almost every major British manufacturer supplied machines to the Army, although these were invariably adapted pre-war roadsters rather than purpose-built military designs. Among the most popular was the Matchless G3, a relatively lightweight and sporty 348cc model that had first been assessed for possible military use in 1933. Updated with a single down-tube frame and 'Teledraulic' telescopic front fork, the 'Matchbox' continued as the G3/L from 1941. By the time hostilities ceased in 1945 more than 63,000 G3/Ls had been delivered, and in the post-war years the model would go on to establish itself as one of the finest trials bikes of the day. A total of 17,589 miles is recorded on the odometer of this military G3/L. Information concerning the registration/frame/engine numbers and accompanying documents (if any) will be available at the sale.
The outbreak of war in September 1939 found the British Army ill prepared for hostilities, not the least with regard to its transportation arrangements. The result was the wholesale commandeering of civilian motorcycles for despatch, reconnaissance, convoy patrol and other duties. Almost every major British manufacturer supplied machines to the Army, although these were invariably adapted pre-war roadsters rather than purpose-built military designs. Among the most popular was the Matchless G3, a relatively lightweight and sporty 348cc model that had first been assessed for possible military use in 1933. Updated with a single down-tube frame and 'Teledraulic' telescopic front fork, the 'Matchbox' continued as the G3/L from 1941. By the time hostilities ceased in 1945 more than 63,000 G3/Ls had been delivered, and in the post-war years the model would go on to establish itself as one of the finest trials bikes of the day. A total of 17,589 miles is recorded on the odometer of this military G3/L. Information concerning the registration/frame/engine numbers and accompanying documents (if any) will be available at the sale.
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