Henry Collier founded a company to make bicycles under the Matchless name in Plumstead (London) in 1878. The company rapidly achieved great success selling bicycles. The first Matchless motorcycle was made in 1899. Henry Collier was a designer, entrepreneur and winning rider. In 1907 Charlie Collier rode a Matchless to victory in the first ever Tourist Trophy, the legendary motorcycle race that still takes place on the Isle of Man. Matchless developed a deep know-how of leather clothing, with specialities in clothing for motorcycle racing. Matchless was the first motorcycle company to work on bikers safety, creating a department of studies where clothing was designed to protect motorcyclists.