Opis
This motorcycle is Lot 349 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 349
1926 AJS 349cc Model G5
Registration no. SV 7999
Frame no. Overpainted (see text)
Engine no. G78252
Originally manufacturers of proprietary engines, A J Stevens Ltd, of Wolverhampton, introduced its first complete motorcycle in 1911. The first AJS was a single-cylinder sidevalve-engined lightweight displacing 292cc that came in two versions: one with direct belt drive (Model A), the other (Model B) having a two-speed countershaft gearbox, an advantage enjoyed by few contemporary rivals. The company first entered the Isle of Man TT in 1911, making an historic breakthrough in 1914 when it won the Junior event, the first such victory by a single-cylinder machine. From then onwards, the 2¾hp (350cc) sidevalve-engined model remained a fixture of the AJS range. Light in weight (around 200lbs) robust and adequately powerful, it is widely regarded as one the finest of early Vintage sports machines.
Formerly displayed in The Dundee Museum of Transport, this side-valve AJS was purchased by the private vendor on 25 December 1979, from a Mr A. Nahum of Edinburgh. Earlier recorded owners include James Wood of Alloa, Clackmannanshire, in 1953 and A. George Gillies of Carrickfergus in 1946.
We are advised, the machine was restored during the 1980s, and has since formed part of a private collection, remaining largely unused apart from a brief appearance at the Glamis Extravaganza in 2015.
It should be noted that V5C registration document records the engine number as '978252', the initial 'G' prefix having evidently been misread as the numeral '9'. The machine appears to have been re-registered at a later date under the non-transferable registration number 'SV 7999', previously registered 'VS 1721'. Its earlier history remains unknown. Offered with old/ current V5C's, V5, old V5 and 1946 continuation logbook.
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. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding.
£2, 500 - 3, 500
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.
