Description
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
Viewing: Tues 24th March from 1pm
Auction: Wed 25th March from 9am
Location: National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ
1933 AJS R8
Estimate
£4, 500 - £5, 500
Registration No: LSX 317
Frame No: 882
MOT: Exempt
A beautifully mellowed older restoration
Offered for sale after several years in a private collection
A wonderful opportunity for straightforward recommissioning
AJS had a fantastic time in the 1920s, with many successes in racing and record-breaking, and the production bikes benefitted accordingly. This was much in evidence in the new range for 1930, which introduced a variety of very beautiful models boasting such features as twin-port heads, overhead valves, alloy pistons, strong crankshafts and stiffened frames. With all those features, the 500cc R8, with its launch price of £59 10s., was the sort of machine any enthusiast might aspire to own. Financial difficulties following the Wall Street Crash led to AJS’s takeover in 1931 by Matchless, which fortunately recognised the merits of the R8 and kept it in production unchanged until 1936.
Our 1933 AJS R8 is a tremendously handsome machine and has evidently been restored at some stage in the past, with its condition now taking on a pleasingly mellowed appearance. The V5C shows no former keepers prior to its acquisition by the present owner, a prolific motorcycle collector, so its past is something of a mystery, but it has clearly been very well cared-for in the owner’s hands. As part of a collection, it has not been on the roads recently so a degree of recommissioning will be required, but it will be extremely rewarding to put this seldom-seen “Ajay” back on the rally circuit where it belongs.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
