The VMCC (Vintage Motor Cycle Club) will mark its 80th anniversary in 2026, and one of the highlights of their celebrations will be at the Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic Show, taking place at Newark Showground, Nottinghamshire, January 10–11, 2026. Visitors to the George Stephenson Exhibition Hall will be able to see an extraordinary piece of wartime motorcycling history on the VMCC stand — a genuine 1941 Matchless G3L WD with a story every classic enthusiast will want to hear.
Proud owner Terry Jones recently completed an epic 580-mile ride on this very machine, travelling from Bletchley Park to RAF Lossiemouth along original wartime routes as part of Operation MERCURY. Despite being over 80 years old, the Matchless G3L WD proved itself more than capable of the gruelling challenge.
The 14-strong riding team tackled the long-distance run on a mix of machines — including Triumph, Honda, Royal Enfield, Harley-Davidson, Yamaha and Ducati — several of which suffered mechanical issues along the way. Thanks to roadside repairs, a committed support crew and plenty of determination, the full team still reached Lossiemouth together.
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Setting off from Bletchley Park at 08:00 carrying a freshly written despatch from the Chief of the Air Staff, the group enjoyed incredible views through the Borders and into Stirling, where they were joined by VMCC members from Northumbria and Scotland. The climb to the summit of Glenshee in the Cairngorms didn’t trouble the 13 hp Matchless one bit, and at the Glenshee Ski Centre the riders were met by VMCC Chair Crawford Logan, who travelled from Aberdeen to accompany the team as far as Dufftown.
The Matchless ran virtually faultlessly for the entire journey, arriving at RAF Lossiemouth exactly on schedule. A slight blow from the head gasket was the only sign of the massive undertaking — an impressive achievement for any motorcycle, let alone a wartime veteran. The team has already raised over £6,000 for RAFA, the charity that supports the RAF family. You can help by visiting the Operation MERCURY JustGiving page.
As the VMCC prepares to celebrate its 80th anniversary, this Matchless G3L WD stands as a perfect example of the club’s dedication to keeping Britain’s motorcycling heritage alive, ridden and appreciated by new generations. Visitors to the Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic Show can see this remarkable machine up close and meet the people who helped keep it rolling across one of the most memorable rides of 2025.
Don’t miss it — Newark Showground, January 10–11, 2026.
