• The recipient of an older restoration

 • Formerly part of the Willi Balz Collection

 • A straightforward recommissioning project

 • Will require registration with the DVLA

The 1930s was a busy decade for AJS. Although financial trouble in 1931 resulted in the marque being bought by Matchless, it was in a secure enough position with its new owners so that by 1937 it was fielding a remarkably broad range of models –12 in all, from 250cc singles to 990cc V-twins.

During this period, overhead-valve bikes were replacing the old sidevalves, and the Model 26 was one of two new ohv models launched for 1935, alongside the 250cc Model 22. It featured a twin-port cylinder head and was steadily developed so that for 1936 it gained enclosed valves and, in time, a single-port head as used on the AJS racers became available as an option.

Although one of the smaller bikes in AJS’s range, in the 1930s many enthusiasts felt the lure of a 350. For those young motorcyclists who gained their motorcycling feathers on some put-putting Villiers, a 350 represented their first ‘grown-up’ motorcycle. With a pair of big, strong girder forks, gleaming black paint and swooping chrome exhaust pipes, the attraction of a bike like the Model 26 was significant. Now that big old thumpers like these are sadly no longer made, their appeal is even more powerful today than ever before.

 • No history of the AJS is known until 2016, when it surfaced in Germany in the sale of the celebrated collection of cars and motorcycles established by energy tycoon Willi Balz

 • It was purchased from the sale by the present owner, also a prominent motorcycle collector

 • Bidders should note that the number WSK 342 is assigned to another vehicle and the AJS is not known to the DVLA; it has no registration documents

 • Older restoration still presents well

 • Now nicely mellowed with light patina

 • Seat and wheels in very good condition

Although little is known about the history of this bike, it is obvious that it has received a restoration at some point in the past. The restoration has now aged very nicely, picking up a light and very pleasing patina along the way. The paintwork and chrome shows its age in places, but that is all part of the appeal as far as we are concerned. Cosmetically, we wouldn’t alter a thing.

The seats have obviously been recovered and, apart from one or two small marks, don’t show any signs of age.

The whole package is really charming. The only slight fault bidders should consider is that the oil pressure gauge has been removed from the instrument panel and is not present, but that’s only a mere trifle.

 • Very well-presented engine

 • Said to have been running well when bought by the vendor in 2016

 • Brakes appear to be in good working order

While we have not been able to see this bike run, it all looks to be in very good order. We believe it must have been some time since the AJS was last used on a public road, since its original registration has been reallocated by the DVLA and it was obviously never registered in Germany, but it seems to have been cared-for while in storage as the vendor tells us it started and ran beautifully for him when he bought it in 2016.

Since then, it has been on static display in his own collection, so bidders would be advised to undertake a general inspection and some light recommissioning before taking to the road. We have wheeled the bike around and observed that the brakes appear to be working well.

The AJS Model 26 is a very beautiful machine with the sort of engine which stirs the enthusiast’s soul but, as with many pre-war models, it’s rather a rare beast and doesn’t come on the market very often. We are very pleased that this one has appeared because it’s a really lovely example. 

The older restoration was done well, but with a light patina we think it looks even better. In need of some basic recommissioning, which ought to be a fun and rewarding job for a Sunday afternoon, we would be very excited about getting this back on the road.

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*