1966 Matchless G50 Wayne Gardner 500cc

by John Colley

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1966 Matchless G50 Wayne Gardner 500cc

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John Colley

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This is former World Champion, Wayne Gardner riding a 1966 Matchless G50 500cc motorcycle at the Goodwood revival meeting. Matchless is one of the oldest marques of British motorcycles, manufactured in Plumstead, London, between 1899 and 1966. A wide range of models were produced under the Matchless name, ranging from small two-strokes to 750 cc four-stroke twins. Matchless had a long history of racing success; a Matchless ridden by Charlie Collier won the first single-cylinder race in the first Isle of Man TT in 1907.[1]
In 1938, Matchless and AJS became part of Associated Motorcycles (AMC), both companies producing models under their own marques. During the amalgamations that occurred in the British motorcycle industry in the 1960s, the Matchless four-stroke twin was replaced with the Norton twin, ending a long history of independent production. By 1967, the Matchless singles had ceased production.

The Matchless G50 single-cylinder racer was originally made generally available for privateers in 1959, and competed against the Norton Manx. Though its 90.0 x 78.0 mm 50 bhp engine and top speed near 135 mph (217 km/h) were slightly down on the Manx, the lighter Matchless could take the day on tight and twisty circuits. (Source; Wikipedia)

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March 19th, 2013

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