Description
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West MidlandsViewing: Tues 21st July from 1pmAuction: Wed 22th July from 10amLocation: National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ Registration No: BVE 589Frame No: 664MOT: ExemptPart of a private collection for 36 yearsIncreasingly scarce pre-war sporting AJSSubject of an older restoration and finished to good standardSupplied with a current V5C, accompanied by an original RF. 60 logbookFollowing the 1931 takeover of AJS by rivals Matchless, production was relocated from Wolverhampton to the latter’s Woolwich factory. AJS’s identity as a separate marque steadily eroded from then onwards as the machines became more like their Matchless counterparts. The year 1935 saw the introduction on some models of Matchless-style engines with dry-sump lubrication and vertical cylinders. The 500cc Model 18 version first appeared in 1936 and the following year was offered in competition trim as the Model 18T alongside the 250cc 22T and 350cc 26T. Intended for trials and scrambles use, the ‘T’ family featured single-port cylinder heads; high-level exhausts; narrow, closely-fitting mudguards; a crankcase bash-plate; and off-road tyres. Offered from a private collection, this rare Model 18T is a 1937 example first registered in November 1936. An older restoration, it presents well and is an increasingly scarce example of the marque’s sporting heritage. Accompanying paperwork suggests that BVE 589 remained off the road in a previous owner’s private collection from 1989 until its purchase by the current vendor in 2025. The tax disc displayed expired in 1983, suggesting this may have been the last time it saw road use. Since being acquired by the vendor, BVE 589 has remained in storage. Having been off the road for an extended period, it will require a degree of recommissioning before returning to road use. Included within the history file are a current V5C, an original RF. 60 continuation logbook issued in 1948, a photocopy of an earlier V5 registration document, and a selection of historic photographs following restoration. ** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply** Entry by catalogue and can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people)
