Beskrivning
This motorcycle is Lot 44 of Bonhams Motorcycles Online – The Spring Sale; open for bidding 13-23rd February 2026. This Lot is available for public view and eventual collection from Bonhams Motorcycle Department, Milton Keynes.
Please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Bidding on all Lots commences Friday 13 February, 12:00 noon.
Bidding closes Monday 23 February, 12:00 noon, starting with Lot 44
Each subsequent Lot will then close one minute apart unless bidding remains active.
Public Viewing (BY APPOINTMENT ONLY):
All Lots:
Wednesday 18 February, 9am - 5pm
Please email using the button below with your availability to schedule an appointment.
Lot 44
Offered from the estate of the late Len Clutterbuck
1959 AJS 349cc 7R Racing Motorcycle
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. 1653
Engine no. 1653
Built from 1948 to 1963, Associated Motor Cycles' AJS 7R - known as the 'Boy Racer' - was one of the most successful over-the-counter racing motorcycles of all time. Almost all of Britain's road-race stars of the 1950s and '60s rode a 7R at some stage of their careers, and the model remains a major force in classic racing today. The 7R was conceived as a customer machine for sale to private owners, but was also campaigned by the factory. Although a new design by Phil Walker, the 7R with its chain-driven overhead-camshaft was very reminiscent of the AJS 'cammy' singles of pre-war days. While - initially - not as powerful as the Velocette KTT and Junior Manx Norton, the 7R's robust and simple construction endeared it to the privateer responsible for his own maintenance. While the duplex loop frame and Teledraulic front fork remained essentially unchanged throughout production, the engine underwent almost continuous revision, eventually producing 41bhp in 'short-stroke' configuration. AMC's own gearbox replaced the previous Burman in 1958.
This AJS 7R carries scrutineering stickers from the Castle Coombe circuit for the 27/ 28th June 2015 meeting, which is very likely when it was last raced (ridden by Neil Larson we're advised), before its last use in 2015 it was regularly paraded at the VMCC 1, 000 bikes festival at Mallory Park by Len. A rare matching-numbers example, it has an engine built by John Goodall. No further history is known. The AJS has not been started since around 2019, since when it has been dry stored, the engine being turned over periodically. Following a period of inactivity, recommissioning or possibly more extensive restoration will be required before further use and thus this motorcycle is sold strictly as viewed. There are no documents with this Lot.
£15, 000 - 18, 000
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.
