Description
This motorcycle is Lot 220 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Autumn Stafford Sale (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show) on 12 & 13 October, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 1 - 176 are to be sold from 11:00 on Saturday 12th October 2024.
Lots 201 - 429 are to be sold from 11:00 on Sunday 13th October 2024.
Public Viewing:
Available 12th & 13th October 2024 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Stafford County Showground (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show).
Lot 220
c. 1930 AJS 495cc R10 Racing Motorcycle
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. 89641
Engine no. 89641 R10
In 1927 AJS's works racers appeared with a new overhead-camshaft engine, superseding the previous overhead-valve 'Big Port' models. The camshaft was chain driven, its distinctive cast alloy case extending forwards to the front-mounted magneto. A catalogued model from 1928, the 'cammy' AJS was built in 350 and 500cc capacities initially, dry-sump lubrication being an unusual feature of the engines, which were carried in open diamond-type frames. Along with the rest of the range the camshaft models received saddle tanks with purple side panels for 1929. A 250cc version followed, Jimmy Guthrie winning the Lightweight TT on one in 1930. Work by newly recruited former Norton tuners Nigel Spring and Bert Denly resulted in the production overhead-cam models adopting long-stroke dimensions for 1930, the R10 changing to 79x101mm from the preceding M10's 84x90mm. Production ceased with the Matchless take-over in 1931.
This example of the rare AJS R10 overhead-cam 500 was acquired by the late owner (the vendor's father-in-law) some 30 years ago as a restoration project. A considerable amount of work has been done over the years but the owner passed away before the rebuild could be finished. A few parts are missing but the exhaust tailpipe is present. Sold strictly as viewed, the machine comes with a quantity of technical literature (settings, tolerances, etc).
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
