Description
1951 AJS Model 20 Spring Twin, 500 cc
Registration number MAL 551 (non-transferrable)
Frame number 62806
Engine number 51/ 20/ 5297
Gearbox G111L50
The AJS Model 20 and corresponding Matchless G9 were launched at the post war Earls Court motorcycle show in late 1948. Initially for export to the US, it was not until the late summer of 1949 that the first examples reached the home market. The styling was modern and the dual seat, megaphone silencers and bright chrome finish justified the name of Spring Twin. The rest of the cycle parts were standard AMC, with the engine being housed in a pivoted fork frame with telescopic front forks. The basic design changed little over the course of the next few years, the most significant change being made in 1952 when a new Burman gearbox was adopted.
In 1951, the rear suspension was upgraded to the Jampot unit, derided for its shape in the 28 September issue of the Motor Cycle magazine. In the same year minor changes included a new Lucas horn-push on the handlebar and a medallion badge in place of the previously used transfer. Front fork shuttle damping was also replaced with rod and damper-type.
Progressively developed, the Model 20's twin-cylinder engine underwent a number of capacity increases, finally being discontinued when the 646cc AJS Model 31 replaced it in the autumn of 1958.
This matching numbers example, made in the first year of the Jampot suspension, was purchased by our vendor some fifteen years or so ago as a restoration project for his retirement. Little is known of its early history but the in 1960 it was owned by a R. W. Gosling of Scunthorpe, then in 1962 a Geoffrey Pearson of Scunthorpe and in 1971 a Michael Rouge of Gainsborough in Lincolnshire.
Restored a few years ago to the same high standard as the 1960 BSA Gold Star sold by these rooms in our July 2017 auction it is very good condition; it has now covered only 42 miles and further running in is advised. Other projects mean this now surplus to requirements. Sold with the R. F. 60 continuation book, V5 and V5C.
For sale by auction on Saturday 4th November at Sledmere House, Sledmere, Driffield, YO25 3XG commencing at 12 noon.
