Need aproximate original price of a 1951 G80s

AZScott

Joined
Feb 10, 2015
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62
I need to come up with an approximate price that a Matchless 1951 G80s 500cc would go for in 1951 that sold in USA. Just need a rough estimate and thought I would ask the forum, (have tried the Britbike Forum and no one seems to know there.). Back in 1951 I would think it would be around $800. That's a wild guess on my part, so any help would be appreciated. Trying to get it titled and insured and they always ask me for that. For current value I use the NADA price report. Thanks
 
I don't know if it helps, but in my copy of the weekely UK motorcyling paper 'The motor Cycle' from May 28th 1953, Elite Motors of Tooting offered a 1952 Matchless G80S for £175.

You could still send your Brough Superior back to the anufacturer fr repair. £65 got you an ES2 with a Manx frame and tanks, twin float carb, alloy head and ribbed brakes. Oh, for a time machine!
 
Thanks dave M, That helps, Took my '51 G80s in last week and got my title. Was a bit surprised, it went so well, a 5 digit SN#, on a bike they never heard of can really confuse them. Having my "Certificate of Authenticity" from the Matchless Club Ltd. also helped. Thanks again
 
You are very welcome AZScott, i find that when I have to take a classic machine in for a government inspection, I always bring as much supporting paperwork as possible, including any relevant books i might have.

With Commandos I bring Roy Bacon's book on Norton twins, this saves a lot of argument and searching for non-existent frame number stampings on a Norton Commando which only has a riveted data plate.

One of my friends had his bike impounded and was investigated by the police because of a slight discrepancy between the numbers copied by the British licencing Department into the registration document and the frame number on the bike - a 6 has been misread as an 8. He eventually got his bike back after 2months left outside in the police pound. The joys of a practical British system run by efficient, although sometimes pedantic Chinese!
 
My dad told me he bought his 1949 AJS 500 spring frame brand new in Wanganui NZ for NZ Pounds 240. At that time the same as a British pound.
 
AZScott said:
Thanks dave M, That helps, Took my '51 G80s in last week and got my title. Was a bit surprised, it went so well, a 5 digit SN#, on a bike they never heard of can really confuse them. Having my "Certificate of Authenticity" from the Matchless Club Ltd. also helped. Thanks again
Click to expand...

Years ago I had to get a title for my 55 AJS 18s, knowing that the clowns at DMV wouldn't have a clue I took Bacons book with me. First I took it out to the DMV in Sun City AZ knowing that they were pretty much told not to piss off the old folks out there. That along with the book made it so easy. I was in and out in less than 30 minutes. That included inspection, title and tags.
John n Texas
 
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