Matchless G50 500cc Peter Ferbrache winner 1959 Spanish GP 1959 Montjuic photo

Description

A superb and rare photo of
Peter Ferbrache
, seen in
winning
action with his immaculate
Matchless G50
during the
500cc Spanish Grand Prix
which was ridden on the circuit of
Montjuich
Park
in the city of
Barcelona
on
April 19, 1959
. He would
win
the race in a time of 53’03”2, 16 seconds! Second man in was Hansgunter Jager on a BMW 500 Rennsport.
The
Matchless G50
was made by Associated Motorcycles at the former Matchless works in Plumstead,
London
. Developed in 1958 from the 350cc AJS 7R, with the engine capacity increased to 500 cc, 180 G50s (for 50 bhp) were built in the next four years. Although less powerful than its main competitor the Norton Manx the G50 proved highly competitive at
300 pounds
and was faster round bends. If success is measured by longevity then this is the most successful Matchless motorcycles as high specification replicas are still being produced to this day although financial problems at AMC ended production in
1963. In
1963, the AMA decided that the G50 should not be allowed to race in the
USA
as it was not based on a production street bike. Matchless solved the problem by creating the street-legal G50 CSR, fitting the G50 engine into the G80CS Scrambler frame. The designation CSR stood for Competition, Sprung and Roadster but quickly got called the Coffee Shop Racer. It later became known as the Golden Eagle after the name was used in advertising (due to the gold finish of the engine casings). By the time the G50 was reinstated, however, it was no longer in production. There were just two colour options - bright blue with a tan seat or bright red and black with a black seat. Financial problems at AMC ended production in 1963 and all the tooling and spares were sold to sidecar Grand Prix racer Colin Seeley in 1966. Seeley went on to develop the engine and made his own custom frames to produce a number of G50 'specials' some of which were known as the called the Seeley Condor. These exclusive motorcycles continue to be hand built to this day to individual customer specifications by TGA Ltd, now based in northern
France
. As well as building motorcycles from new parts, TGA also convert secondhand racing motorcycles for road use. The Seeley G50Mk2 racing motorcycles built by TGA Ltd are high specification with a Titchmarsh chassis, Walmsley G50 motor, 6 speed PGT gearbox and lightweight fairing. Former Isle of Man TT winner George Beale set up a range of replica motorcycles, including Matchless G50 racing motorcycles to a high specification which includes a special lightweight frame and swing arm, Ceriani forks and a magnesium six speed gear box with lightweight clutch.
Montjuic
, alternatively spelled
Montjuïc
or
Montjuich
, is a hill located in the Spanish city op
Barcelona
,
Spain
. The roads in the slopes facing the city formed once the famous Montjuic circuit, where for decades motorcycle and car races were being organized. For decades the 24 Hours of
Barcelona
races were ridden at Montjuic, and also the Spanish Grand Prix races. On four occasions Formula One car races were organized on the Montjuic circuit.
We have more photos, also listed on Ebay, of Matchless G50 ‘s, other bikes, and various motorcycle world champions on various kinds of machinery. Please check out our auctions and take advantage of our shipping discount! The auction selection is refreshed and changed continuously.
This is your rare chance to own this non period photo that reflects a very interesting and historic piece of motorcycle and Matchless history. Therefore it is printed in a nice large format of ca. 8" x 11" (ca. 20 x
28 cm
).
Check out our auctions or contact us for more motorcycle (racing) photos!
Shipping costs will only be $ 7.00 regardless of how many photos you buy.   For 5 or more photos, shipping is free!
(Note: A. Herl, Inc. does not appear on photo, for ebay purposes only)
No copyright expressed or implied. Sold as collectable item only. We are clearing out our archives that we have gathered from various sources.
All items always sent well protected in PVC clear files
and board backed envelopes.
We have photographs that came from professional collections and/or were bought from the original photographer or press studio! They are all of professional and excellent quality.
After many decades of professionally collecting photographs and posters we are clearing out our archives. They make the perfect gift and are perfectly suited for framing. They will look gorgeous unframed and will be a true asset nicely framed with a border. They are a gorgeous and great asset in every home, workshop, workplace, restaurant, bar or club!
First come - first served. And you can always contact us for your requests. Please ask any questions before the auction ends.