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
1934 AJS R10 500cc OHC
No Reserve
Registration No: XSV 131
Frame No: 7/ 618
MOT: Exempt
Very rare surviving "Cammy" over-the-counter racer
Only two owners since 1990
Restored in the 1990s by Ascot Engineering
The Road and Race Collection
In the late 1920s, motorcycle makers were in a frenzy about overhead camshafts, each maker trying to outdo the next. AJS had had success up to 1926 with its overhead-valve “Big Port” racers, and it unveiled its new overhead-cam engine in 1927. The “cammy” AJS entered catalogues in 1928, in 350cc R7 and 500cc R10 guises, with dry-sump lubrication. Engines of a new long-stroke design appeared for 1930. These models were essentially treated as over-the-counter racers, and the excellence of their design guaranteed their popularity well into the 1930s.
This example is understood to retain both its original engine and frame, though it has no history prior to 1990, when it was acquired for restoration by Melvyn Smith of Ascot, the work being performed by Ascot Engineering. A note says that it “Completed the Manx three times,” which presumably references its appearance at V. M. C. C. rallies and parades on the Isle of Man in the early ’90s. It was sold in 2006 viâ Andy Tiernan Classics to the vendor, an enthusiastic collector of first-class historic motorcycles. Although it was then on the road with an M. O. T., it will now require recommissioning after a long period on display.
** 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).
