1941 Matchless Motorcycle

One of the military vehicles/equipment on show at this weekends Brighouse 1940s event
(its a 1941 Matchless G3L army dispatch riders motorcycle)

[Henri Russell]

It is in really great shape. I've seen a lot of these in old war movies.

[Peter]

@henrir Thank you for your comment Henri, the chap that owned this bike gave it a little run around the town so it was in full working order:)

[Babs]

How nice that it is still in working order. A relative of mine was a dispatch rider during the war.

[Hazel]

In great shape for its age. I cannot help but wonder why 'Matchless'.....

[Peter]

@onewing Thank you for your interesting comment Babs, like most military wartime activities they could be and often were fatal, "lest we forget" :)

[Peter]

@quietpurplehaze Interesting question Hazel, I can't find any reference to how it got that name,
Henry Herbert Collier founded a company to make bicycles under the Matchless name in Plumstead (London) in 1878.
The first Matchless motorcycle was made in 1899, and manufacture began in 1901. All motorcycles were marked by a winged M on the tank, a symbol that shortly became synonymous with quality and a premium riding experience:)

[Hazel]

@pcoulson

Perhaps it means 'cannot be matched for quality = matchless'.