Description
This motorcycle is Lot 279 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 279
1951 AJS 500cc Model 18 Trials
Registration no. 329 XUW
Frame no. A4020
Engine no. 51/ 18S 995 C
"At the end of the rigid's development with the ultra lightweight model announced in September 1953, those gleaming black machines with proud gold (AJS) or silver lining (Matchless) were the acme of the trials manufacturers art, and were almost an exact replica of the highly successful works machines." - Don Morley, Classic British Trials Bikes, Osprey, 1984.
Our vendor purchased this AJS Model 18 Trials in 2009; it had never been used on the road and was unregistered. He registered the machine in September 2009 in Brighton with the age-related number '329 XUW'. According to the vendor, the engine was not in too bad a condition: the big-end bearing was good, the small-end was renewed, the cylinder re-bored and the correct piston for a competition model fitted. In addition, the valves were reground and fitted with new springs, a new clutch fitted and all chains renewed. Since then the AJS has covered around 1, 420 miles, all of them on the road. The machine is offered with a V5C document and a reproduction Maintenance Manual and Instruction Book.
It should be noted that the VC5 records the engine number as '51/ 185995C' whereas it is actually'51/ 18S 995 C', the 'S' being mistaken for a '5'.
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.
