1954 Matchless G80 manufactured in 1953??

[mrpjhancock_LAPSED]

I have recently bought a 1954 G80 with "original engine and gearbox" . . . . The engine is 54/G80S ......... I,m wondering that on the cert of Authenticity it states the bike was supplied to the dealer on 26th Nov 1953. When did Matchless start their year prefix?

[SPRIDDLER]

Welcome, Paul.
The Model year commenced after the factory hol shut down in August, so I expect in Nov '53 the engines were also numbered accordingly. I.e. 54/G80S

The registration year (of course) was the date that that it was first registered by the supplying dealer.

[mrpjhancock_LAPSED]

Thanks for your reply . . . . I thought that was probably the case but not sure . . . . Its my first matchless and I really love it

[Rob Harknett]

With the introduction of motor and motor cycle shows way back in time ( car show end of Oct. bikes start of Nov. ) Manufactures started production of new models, to be ready for the shows. e.g. AMC started production of 1954 model year Sept 1st 1953 end Aug 31st 1954. I do believe the annual holiday also started first week in Sept. Once all the 53 models had been dispatched, 54 would follow on. Most, 53 registrations of 54 models are usually circa Nov /Dec 53.
There may have been a 53 model unsold for quite some time, so reg. date any time in the future. More so with new?????? cars today. Stock piled in the far east, shipped, stock piled here. If your check your new registered 2018 car VIN number, you may find it was made circa 2016. One new car I brought was over two years old when I brought it new. Nuts had oxidised and rubbers perished. It would have failed an M o T for perished steering gaiters. A garage fitted an head gasket on the car based on the reg. date. I only got 10 miles before the O H cam shaft got very noisy. The later gasket fitted blocked oil ways to the top end.

[shifter]

My 1955 16ms was made in sept 54 and registered in December 54 with 55 spec,
shifter

[Pharisee]

Likewise my '54 G3/LS. That left the factory on 7th September '53.