Description
This motorcycle is Lot 121 - To be auctioned by Bonhams at The Spring Stafford Sale (The International Classic MotorCycle Show) on 26th & 27th April, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 1 - 147 are to be sold from 14:00 on Saturday 26th April 2025.
Lots 201 - 410 are to be sold from 11:00 on Sunday 27th April 2025.
Public Viewing:
Available 26th & 27th April 2025 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Stafford County Showground (The International Classic MotorCycle Show).
Lot 121
The Dale Winfield Motorcycle Collection
1936 AJS 500cc 18T Trials
Registration no. BVE 589
Frame no. 664
Engine no. 37/ 18T 599 MM (possible restamp)
Following the 1931 takeover of AJS by rivals Matchless, production was relocated from Wolverhampton to the latter's Woolwich factory. AJS's identity as a separate marque steadily eroded from then onwards as the machines became more like their Matchless counterparts. The year 1935 saw the introduction on some models of Matchless-style engines with dry-sump lubrication and vertical cylinders. The 500cc Model 18 version first appeared in 1936 and the following year was offered in competition trim as the Model 18T alongside the 250cc 22T and 350cc 26T. Intended for trials and scrambles use, the 'T' family featured single-port cylinder heads; high-level exhausts; narrow, closely-fitting mudguards; a crankcase bash-plate; and off-road tyres.
A 1937 model first registered in November 1936, this rare pre-war AJS competition machine appears to be an older restoration and carries a tax disc that expired in 1983, which may well be when it was last used. The AJS was purchased for the collection in 1989 having belonged to the previous owner since 1984. Accompanying paperwork consists of an V5C, old-style RF. 60 continuation logbook issued in 1948; photocopy of an old V5 registration document; and some old 'as purchased'/ restored photographs. Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning or possibly more extensive restoration before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Key not required.
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.
