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
1937 AJS Model 22
Estimate
£3, 000 - £4, 000
Registration No: CHN 910
Frame No: 9384/ 14
MOT: Exempt
Rare 1937 Model 22 of which only 14 reportedly remaining
Documented ownership from 1937 shows only 3 owners, current V5C
Authentic and well-documented example of an early BSA veteran motorcycle
The 1937 AJS Model 22 is a rare and elegant representative of pre-war British motorcycling. Following AJS’s 1931 takeover by Matchless, production moved from Wolverhampton to Woolwich, and the AJS identity began to blend with its Matchless counterparts. The Model 22, one of two new overhead-valve models introduced in 1935, featured a vertical cylinder, twin-port cylinder head, and a forward-mounted magneto. By 1936, the valve gear was enclosed, and a single-port head option became available, with production continuing until 1940, when World War II shifted manufacturing priorities. With civilian motorcycle production halted, AJS turned its focus to supporting the war effort. Post-war, the company resumed production with newer models, leaving the Model 22 as a cherished piece of pre-war motorcycling history.
Although immensely popular in its era, only 14 examples are reported to remain on the VMCC register today, highlighting its rarity. This example, an older restoration, retains its vintage charm and benefits from a well-documented ownership history. The first owner cherished it from 1937 to 2006, followed by a second owner from 2006 to 2017, when it became part of a private museum's static display. Now, it will need some recommissioning before returning to the road and comes with a current V5, offering a unique opportunity for collectors to own a significant piece of motorcycling history.
** 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).
