Matchless G3L 350 cc motorcycle, 1942 (c)

Army registration: 67 YA 59.

Although large numbers of motorcycles had been ordered by the War Office at the beginning of World War Two (1939-1945) there was a perceived need for a more lightweight type.

The Matchless Company had submitted such a design in 1940 and this was eventually accepted into service in 1941 as the G3L model. The motorcycle was powered by a single cylinder 16 bhp 347 cc engine. Over 63,000 were made and it was very popular being 50 lbs lighter than the 500 cc models, whilst its 'Teledraulic' front forks made it more comfortable to ride.