Matchless G45 Tom Arter tuned 500cc racer Frank Perris 1955 Isle of Man Senior

Description

A superb and rare photo of
Frank Perris
and his
Tom Arter
tuned
500cc Matchless G45 GP racer
seen in action during the
Isle of Man 500cc Junior T.T.
of
1955
. He finished the race in 26TH position.
Tom Arter was one of the top tuners and sponsors in the country at this time.
The
Matchless G45
has a history that traces back to 1949. That year,
the first Matchless/AJS vertical twin, a 500 cc, was produced; later to be joined by 600 cc and 650 cc vertical twins in 1956 and 1959 respectively. On the racing front
AMC
were fielding the supercharged AJS Porcupine and the AJS 7R alongside the Matchless G50, a 500 cc variant of the 7R, and the Matchless G45 500 cc vertical twin
with its 7R style heads, the engine still recognisably G9 based but housed in a 7R AJS based frame.
AMC
put the G45 into production and it was shown at
Earls Court
in November. In 1953 there was a Clubman range of Matchless/AJS 350 cc and 500 cc singles, and the production model Matchless G45 500 twin became available.
Matchless
is one of the oldest marques of British motorcycles with the first models manufactured at the start of the 20th century. Produced in Plumstead, London from 1899 to 1966, a wide range of models were produced under the Matchless name ranging from small two-strokes to 750 cc four-stroke twins. Matchless had a long history of racing success and a Matchless ridden by Charlie Collier won the first single cylinder race in the first Isle of Man TT in 1907. In 1938 both Matchless and AJS became part of Associated Motorcycles (
AMC
), both companies producing models under their own marques. During the amalgamations that occurred in the British motorcycle industry in the 1960s, the Matchless four-stroke twin was replaced with the Norton twin ending a long history of independent production. By 1967, the Matchless singles had ceased production.
Frank Perris
is a man with a very interesting racing history, that went from rider to racing team director and manager. This all originated in the nineteen fifties and sixties, definately an era rich in motorcycling talent. Names like Reed, Redmond, Driver, McIntyre, Minter, Hocking and Hailwood easily slip off the tongue and recall an unforgettably romantic period when enthusiasts flocked in droves to Brands Hatch, Silverstone, Mallory park, The Isle of Man and a host of other venues, to wallow in the sights, sounds and smells of those magnificent machines and the leather-clad riders of this golden age. It was into this great era that
Frank Perris
arrived at the start of the second half of the twentieth century, and made an enormous contribution to this great sport, that no long term follower of motorcycling can possibly ignore. Sacrifices made from his earliest days as a privateer indicate a dedicated passion for motorcycle racing, in truth a love which never left him. Like many before him there was no immediate claim to fame, but a gradual improvement with experience. His first race on a 1931 500cc
CSI
Norton was at Rhydymwyn in North Wales, a machine he kept faith with for two years. He then purchased a 1935 MK. 5 KTT Velocette which he raced at circuits both at home and abroad. He rode this bike to Tubbergan in Holland carrying tools and tent on the tank, whilst a friend carried camping equipment on an old ES2 Norton. Displaying incredible single mindedness he managed to finish in eighth place, and then rode the bike back to London. This is a far cry from the motor-homes and cosseted luxury travel enjoyed by the modern generation of GP riders. 1953 saw Frank on a 1949 Grand Prix Triumph, and substantial success enabled him to catch the eye of Tom Arter, who was one of the top tuners and sponsors in the country at this time and as a consequence he was invited to ride for Arter in the 1955 season. The next approach made to Frank was by the great Jock West of AJS who offered him a place in the works team at the Ulster Grand Prix, with a promise of a full contract for the 1956 season. Recognition by such people provided the impetus Frank needed to further his motorcycling career and he now had his eyes very firmly focused on the continental circus. The breakthrough came when one of the sport's greatest enthusiasts, John Viccars offered him two Manx Nortons tuned by the famous Ray Petty. Success was indeed forthcoming and resulted in Ray asking Frank if he would consider riding two Norton Specials with an added bonus of two spare engines and having a serious crack at the World Championships. This was an offer that simply couldn't be refused, and Frank's commitment and enthusiasm for the venture were total. He actually finished 3rd in the World Championship behind Garry Hocking and Mike Hailwood, who were both riding MV Augusta's - the finest machines of their day. Most riders considered it an honour to simply race against Mike Hailwood, to finish so close behind the great man was an incredible achievement. The 1961 success resulted in an approach by the Suzuki team manager, and Frank was invited to sign for the 1962 season. This was to prove a happy and fruitful partnership, which continued right through until 1966. By this time Frank had set his sights on other things and decided to retire and move to South Africa with a view to beginning a business partnership with Mike Hailwood. However this was not quite the end of the story for Frank Perris, because the lure of racing saw him back in Europe for half a season in 1969, riding Eddie Crooks' 250cc Suzuki. Although his best years were already behind him, the old flair saw him returning home to South Africa with a 3rd place in the World Championship and a truly memorable 2nd place in the Lightweight (250cc) TT. 1971 saw Frank secure 3rd place in the Senior TT on Suzuki GB's 500cc Machine. Frank Perris ran the John Player Norton team as Director and team manager from 1972 until 1977,
We have more photos, also listed on Ebay, of 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 history. Therefore it is printed in a nice large format of ca. 8" x 12" (ca. 20 x 30 cm).
Shipping costs will only be $ 7.00 regardless of how many photos you buy.   For 5 or more photos, shipping is free!
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No copyright expressed or implied. Sold as collectable item only. We are clearing out our archives that we have gathered from various sources.
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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.
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