1966 Matchless G85CS Scrambler, 497cc. Registration number n...

Hammer

£5,900

1966 Matchless G85CS Scrambler, 497cc. Registration number not registered. Frame number G85CS/289. Engine number C/11313. Gearbox number MA 13326CS.
There is no paperwork with this lot.
The 1966 G85CS (Competition Scrambler) was designed to compete against the new generation of lightweight two-stroke off road bikes from CZ, Husqvarna, Bultaco and Greeves, replacing the outdated and heavy G80CS but it was too little and too late. As one of the last models of Matchless to be made, it was the last (and best) attempt by the British to build a 4-stroke scrambler capable of beating the light-weight 2-stroke machines that were dominating the European Scrambles scene.
At the heart of the G85CS was a tuned version of the proven 500cc powerplant that had powered Matchless’s G80 model. The G85CS boasted increased compression (12:1) with an improved bottom end compared to the regular G80 engine, and a 1-3/8 inch Amal GP carb was standard on all the CS models. A Norton gear-driven oil pump was used in place of the old reciprocating design. As a result of the collective changes the CS’s power went up to a reported 41hp at 6,500rpm.
It’s easy to see the Rickman brothers influence in the design of the frame. The G85 was a duplex design with lightweight forks, close ratio CS gearbox, machined front hub, magnesium 7R rear wheel, fibreglass petrol tank and side panels, alloy oil tank and mudguards. This all resulted in a 318-pound weight compared to the previous G80 model, which weighed 360 pounds when stripped for competition
The G85CS was not made available to the buying public until 1966, although the bikes had been campaigned earlier with great success by works riders like Chris Horsfield, Vic Eastwood and Dave Nichol. It only lasted a year before Matchless closed, and it is believed less then 150 were produced.
G85CS/289 is a very original and unmolested machine,
with its lightweight aluminium primary chain cover with aluminium clamp band, a NC1 Lucas Competition Magneto, Amal T5GP1 13/8" carb, Dunlop rims and Magura levers. It has been part of our vendors collection for many years and will need some recommissioning before use. Interestingly frame G85CS/287, engine C/11312, gearbox MA13344CS has recently been sold on the internet.