Description
This motorcycle is Lot 80 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 80
1966 AJS 350cc Model 16
Registration no. FAM 350D
Frame no. A88167
Engine no. 16/ 43060
Weighing as much as the 500cc model from which most of them were derived, but considerably less powerful, the typical British 350 of the 1950s was not likely to be anyone's first choice as a fast sports bike. Rather, these honest, workaday mounts were chosen for other reasons, chiefly their inherent strength, dependability and economy. AMC's offerings in this important market sector were the Matchless G3L and AJS Model 16, models identical in all essential respects, tank badge and magneto position excepted. Testing one of these stalwarts in 1961, Motor Cycling recorded a modest mean top speed of 76mph but found that when toured at a relaxed pace across country, an excellent 86 miles per gallon was achievable. Although limited, Motor Cycling's experience confirmed that such a machine was light on the pocket, "both for running costs and for the equally important, though less easily assessed, maintenance/ repair factor".
This late example has the alternator electrics and coil ignition introduced for 1958. The machine previously belonged to the private vendor's late father and reportedly was running fine when last ridden in 1999. The fuel tank was drained when stored, and the majority of the chrome removed to keep it in good condition. There has been some deterioration in the machine's cosmetic condition since then, the frame and wheel rims having extensive surface rust. The piston moves freely in the bore but it should be noted that the spark plug has sheared off in the cylinder head.
Following a period of inactivity and offered for restoration, prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to this machines history, authenticity, originality, mechanical condition, completeness (or otherwise), sold strictly as viewed (engine turns over). Accompanying paperwork consists of a current V5C and a spares list, and the machine also comes with a gasket set (it should be noted that the V5C omits the '16/' engine prefix).
£1, 000 - 2, 000
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.
