This famous company was founded in 1899 by H H Collier and had its works at Woolwich in London. The first TT race in 1907 was won by Collier's son Charles on a 432cc Matchless, the first of many triumphs in the Isle of Man. After the First World War race machines were based on production models but were still successful. In 1931 Matchless merged with AJS and gradually the two marques lost their separate identities. Matchless went into decline in the 1950s.
I have had nearly 12 month , I have be allowed to drive the vans for about 5 month , but then again my right hand is a little slow, its aright for the van but I cannot move the small things on the motorcycle , when I can then I will there, but not till I am OK