Beschreibung
TO BE OFFERED FOR SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION AT THE IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM, DUXFORD, CAMBRIDGESHIRE
AUCTION DATE: 13TH MARCH 2024
Auction Estimate: £10, 000 - £14, 000
Registration No: HY 1179
Chassis No: A450
MOT: Exempt
- In current ownership for over twenty years
- Subject to a restoration in the 1990s
- Rated as being in 'very good' condition throughout by the vendor
- 1 of just c. 1, 000 AJS cars manufactured and 1 of just 41 survivors known to the owner’s club
Better known for its motorcycle production, AJS also produced cars and commercial vehicles. In 1927, AJS gained a contract to build bodies for the new Clyno 'Nine' Light series. Regretfully, two years later, Clyno went into liquidation, forcing AJS to produce its own light car. The AJS car was designed by Arthur G Booth, who also designed the original "Clyno Nine". The chassis was built by John Thompson Motor Pressings in Bilston and the car launched in August 1930, being well received by the motoring press, especially when exhibited at Olympia in October 1930. Offered in fabric four-door saloon, coach-built saloon, tourer, and bare chassis form, the initial sales were positive, particularly following the Olympia exhibition, but the car was expensive compared to the competition and in October 1931 the company became a victim of the depression, voluntarily entering liquidation. Some 1, 000 cars were built under the AJS name, but the right to produce AJS cars passed to Willys-Overland Crossley in January 1932 with a further 300 cars manufactured before the company went into liquidation later in 1932.
Supplied new to the home market, chassis 'A450' was registered new on the 31st of December 1930. Finished in the complementary colour scheme of two-tone Blue and Black paintwork, with Black wheels, Dark Blue interior upholstery, and a Black hood. Purchased by the vendor over twenty years ago (in 2003), the AJS had been provided with a full restoration sometime before this, believed in the 1990s. Reportedly in original order and still running on the original fuelling system, 'HY 1179' is has benefited from mechanical attention during the vendor's ownership, including a new piston and general maintenance as required. With the previous owner believed to have been a garage owner, the Nine Tourer is understood to be in very good order and is rated as 'very good' throughout by the vendor. Offered with a history file including V5C document.
