Description
This motorcycle is Lot 47 of Bonhams Motorcycles Online – The Summer Sale; open for bidding 5-15th June 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 5 June, 12:00 noon.
Bidding closes Monday 15 June, 12:00 noon, starting with Lot 1
Each subsequent Lot will then close one minute apart unless bidding remains active.
Public Viewing (BY APPOINTMENT ONLY):
All Lots:
Wednesday 10 June, 9am - 5pm
Thursday 11 June, 9am - 5pm
Please email using the button below with your availability to schedule an appointment.
Lot 47
1951/ 1955 AJS/ Matchless 348cc G3L/ S
Registration no. LUF 212
Frame no. 75319
Engine no. 55/ G3LS 29750 (see text)
Using models based on the wartime Matchless G3 military machine, Associated Motor Cycles dominated the UK trials scene in the years immediately after WW2. Stars such as Hugh Viney and Gordon Jackson riding for AJS, and Artie Ratcliffe and Ted Usher for Matchless won countless national events while clubmen everywhere favoured the Plumstead marques' products more than those of any of their rivals. Important steps in the evolution of AMC's trials models included revised steering geometry, an alloy cylinder barrel and 'head, and a lightweight all-welded frame. Introduced for the 1954 season, the latter remained rigid at the rear despite evidence that a 'springer' worked better. In the event, AMC's first attempt at a sprung frame was not an unqualified success, but the much-revised chassis of 1958 worked much better and was further improved by a switch to shorter rear dampers in 1961. And although a 500cc model was offered until the early 1950s, the works boys always favoured the milder and more easily managed 350, as did the vast majority of customers.
This G3L/ S was purchased by the private vendor when he was 16/ 17 years old; converted for trials use, the machine has been in his ownership for over 40 years. Notable features include a lightweight front hub; accessory air filter; and alloy wheel rims. It should be noted that the accompanying V5C document lists the machine as a 1951 AJS of 500c capacity, with '350' engine number '52/ 16M 15098'. The current engine, '55/ G3LS 29750', started life in a sister-model Matchless.
£1, 500 - 2, 500
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.
