Now with the right dashboard! 2 cylinder in V!
English Matchless Silver arrow. This is a 400cc side-valve V-twin with
rear suspension from 1930.
In October 1929, a new top model of Matchless came on the market. This
was a 2 cylinder in V but with a small angle of 18° so that the
cylinder head could still be cast in 1 piece. This made the engine
look like a 2 cylinder in line but this is indeed a V-twin. Also
special about this engine was that it was a unit engine which was
unusual for Matchless in 1929. This means that engine and gearbox form
1 whole. The gearbox was built under the engine and was accessible for
inspection through a detachable side cover on the right side. The
crankshaft was transverse to the engine but the camshaft was
longitudinal and was driven by a pinion crown wheel. The exhaust
valves had a common manifold so only 1 exhaust pipe was needed. Also
new for 1929 was the saddle tank, center stand and the cantilever rear
suspension as on Vincent-HRD. This model came on the market at the
worst time, a few weeks after the S6324454 major stock market crash
in America. In 1931 the model was modified with rounder fuel tank,
4-speed gearbox and larger oil tank. Production stopped in 1933 due to
low sales figures due to the crisis years.
This is the first Silver Arrow model type A1 De Luxe with twist
throttle, electric lighting and instrument panel. Motorcycle starts
and drives well. Now complete with original dashboard, not yet
mounted.
With Belgian papers
Auction-ID: A3-40484-13539
