1966 Matchless G15CSR 750
Price: A$4 500 ≈ $2966 ≈ £2297
Item location: Cairns North, Qld, AU
Last update:
Seller notes: “Matchless G15 CSR 750cc - Project”
Brand: | Matchless |
Model: | CSR |
Year: | 1966 |
Color: | Red |
Engine (cc): | 750 |
Transmission: | Manual |
Starter: | Kick start |
Drivetype: | Chain |
ID: | mfs0990176409 |
Description
1966 Matchless G15CSR - 750cc
A very rare AMC Norton Hybrid, produced in tiny numbers and very hard to find. According to the Norton Owners Club write-up by Paul Morin, only 500 were ever built.
This is one of the later models with the AMAL Concentric carbs and coil ignition (not Monobloc's & magneto ignition as on the earlier ones). It has the 750cc Norton Atlas engine (which is pretty much the same as a Commando) and has been verified by the Matchless Owners Club to be a genuine CSR. It has the short brake pedal which is unique to the model, the folding footrests and the reversed gearbox camplate to suit the rearset footrests. If I can find it, I'll include the document from the Owners Club with the bike.
I rescued the bike from a barn in the USA back in 2012 (comes with the Vehicle Import Approval) and it's been awaiting its turn to be restored ever since. The poor old thing has been at the back of my shed for too long, so it's time to find a new home - and an owner who can do it justice.
Over the years, I've sourced many high value items such as the petrol tank (I found that in Portugal) and which has then been re-chromed by Vinnie's in Victoria, newly restored instruments (by Howard Instruments) side panel from the US, spare oil tank and battery box, a gasket set and fork rebuild kit from Andover Norton and a new seat from RK Leighton in the UK. That little lot added up to close to $4,000.
With the Norton engine and Matchless frame, it was a potent road burner back in the day and one of the first 'Cafe Racers'. Rare even then, it's very hard to find now.
Yes, it needs a full restoration, but the bike is all there and even the cylinder head exhaust port threads are in good condition. There is one broken fin on the rear of the barrels, it's hard to spot and easy to repair. When I found the bike, it was fitted with a wrong rear wheel but I do have a Dunlop rear rim to go with the bike (not sure what the front rim is). Other parts such as guards, tank badges and rear light etc. are easy to find from the specialists either here or in the UK. The forks are Norton Roadholders and will obviously need new tubes.
All-in-all a straightforward restoration, especially if you're familiar with British bikes such as Nortons.
There are a couple of photo's to show how the bike should look (not how it does look at present!) and the first photo shows the condition when I bought it, when it was incorrectly described as a Norton...
My reason for selling now? I have 2 x 750 Norton Commando's to restore before I can even think about the Matchless, so she's up for sale.
It can all be boxed up and strapped to a pallet for easy shipping and I'll be happy to work with your freight agent. Please note that the lifting trolley that the frame & engine is sitting on in the photos is not included.
A rewarding bike to restore and a great project. Questions and inspection welcomed.
Similar Ads: