Description
This motorcycle is Lot 332 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Autumn Stafford Sale (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show) on October 10th – 11th, please see the Bonhams Motorcycles Website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 201 - 407 are to be sold from 11AM local time on Sunday 11th October 2026.
Public Viewing:
Available 10th & 11th October 2026 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Staffordshire County Showground (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show).
Lot 332
The Michael ("Mick") Brough Collection
1926/ 1927 AJS 350cc 'Big Port' Project
Registration no. SV 9850
Frame no. 82569 (see text)
Engine no. 49986 (see text) Gearbox No. H6/ 100759
This Vintage-era AJS consists of the frame from a 1927 G5 sidevalve model and the engine from a 1926 H6 overhead-valve 'Big Port'. The AJS was purchased by Michael Brough from a Mr Seymour of St Albans (£10, 750 receipt on file). A photocopied 1972 Manx logbook extract on file suggests the machine was previously registered MN 1926; listing the engine number fitted ('49986') together with a different frame numbered 'L14113'. The machine was then registered to a Mr D Evans of Port Erin before moving on to a Mr R Brind of Henley-on-Thames. The HPI report notes two previous keepers since 2003, with the current keeper registered from 13/ 03/ 2018. The machine was previously registered overseas, with its first UK registration dating from 31/ 01/ 1976.
Manx National Heritage Library correspondence on file states: "I have checked the first registration of the number MN 1926, and found the following information:
"Date of first registration 2 May 1922, of a dark-blue 25 Nash 7-seater 25 cwt public conveyance vehicle. Ownership transferred of the same vehicle 29 June 1929 and again 14 June 1932. Registration cancelled 18 February 1935. Any re-use of the same registration number MN 1926 on different vehicle(s) after February 1935 may be recorded in later records held in our archives. While the records are available for you to consult or for someone to consult on your behalf, I ** afraid that we cannot offer a full research service."
The frame number does not display a clearly identifiable prefix; however, traces of what appears to be an 'H' remain visible, potentially indicating manufacture in 1927. Likewise, the engine number tag lacks a discernible prefix, although remnants of what appears to be a 'G' can be seen, potentially corresponding to 1926 manufacture. An AJS dating letter on file records frame and engine entries as:
Frame details
Frame no. 82569
Make: AJS
Model: H5
Capacity: 3. 49 hp
Engine Type: Side-valve
Model Year: 1927
Original cost: £44 0s 0d
Engine details
Engine no. 49986
Make: AJS
Model: G6
Capacity: 3. 49 hp
Engine Type: Overhead-valve
Model Year: 1926
Original cost: £53 0s 0d
At an unknown point in its history, the lower saddle tube appears to have fractured and has subsequently been re-brazed. While the repair appears stable, the area requires refinishing. In addition, several components are currently detached but accompany the machine. These include the saddle frame; clutch; carburettor components; well-finished toolboxes; levers; and gear components. It should also be noted that the exhaust system is absent. The machine is offered with the following:
Registration, Dating & Provenance
1972 MN1926 logbook photocopy
2003 AJS dating letter
2003 Application for age-related registration
Manx Registration Library correspondence
Old V5 registration document
Old V5C copy
Current V5C Registration Certificate
Ownership & Purchase History
2018 Purchase Invoice
Maintenance & Restoration Records
2021 Receipt for Bowden Clutch Lever
Bruce Main Smith Co. Maintenance Manuals photocopies
Timing Instructions
Technical & Reference Material
Copy AJS Book
VMCC Blue Book engine number listing extract
Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning and/ or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed (the engine turns over freely). Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding.
£3, 000 - 5, 000
All lots are sold ‘as is/ where is’ and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness, mileage, engine capacity and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
