1961 Matchless 650cc G12 CSR
Registration no. 866 EBM
Frame no. A78499
Engine no. G12CS X5760

'Largest, fastest and most powerful machine in the current Matchless range, the 650cc G12CSR is essentially designed for sport. This its specification - tuned motor, siamesed pipes, good ground clearance and semi-competition equipment - shows at a glance. But it is also at home under normal road conditions. Here, in fact, is a dual-purpose mount.' – Motor Cycling. Announced in 1948 and progressively developed thereafter, AMC's twins had already undergone a number of capacity increases before finally arriving at 646cc in the autumn of 1958 with the launch of the AJS Model 31 and Matchless G12. The new range-topping super sports models were typed 'CSR', a designation AMC had first used on the superseded 600cc versions. Motor Cycling managed a top speed of 108.5mph from 'their' G12CSR while fuel consumption averaged 51mpg over the course of the 500-mile test. According to the AJS & Matchless Owners' Club, this matching-numbers (frame/engine/gearbox) machine left the factory on 7th December 1960 and was despatched to Bryants of Biggleswade. It was first registered on 1st July 1961. '866 EBM' has been owned by the vendor's late father since 15th May 1991 according to an invoice from The Classic Motor Cycle Museum, Huddersfield. Offered in need of re-commissioning following long-term storage, the machine comes with old-style continuation logbook, (copy) Swansea V5 and V5C.