LOT 469
Ex-Tom Arter c.1936 AJS Model 38-7 Grass-track Racing Motorcycle Frame no. 7-856 Engine no. none visible
Sold for £19,550 inc. premium
Lot 469
Ex-Tom Arter,c.1936 AJS Model 38-7 Grass-track Racing Motorcycle Frame no. 7-856 Engine no. none visible
Ex-Tom Arter
c.1936 AJS Model 38-7 Grass-track Racing Motorcycle
Frame no. 7-856
Engine no. none visible
c.1936 AJS Model 38-7 Grass-track Racing Motorcycle
Frame no. 7-856
Engine no. none visible
• Arter family ownership from new
• Brand Hatch grass-track lap record holder
• Numerous in-period modifications
• Restored in 2015
The unique AJS offered here was delivered new in May 1938 to Tom Arter, renowned grass-track and trials competitor of the 1930s/1940s, who would go on to pursue an equally successful career as a tuner/entrant, supporting stars such as Bill Lomas, Dickie Dale, Mike Duff, and Peter Williams. AJS Motor Cycles' letter concerning Tom's purchase is on file together with another congratulating him on winning the 'Silver Wings' race at the Ashford Speedway in April 1939.
Like most extensively campaigned competition machines, the Arter AJS would be extensively modified, gaining a Manx Norton cylinder barrel, telescopic front forks, and McCandless-type swinging-arm rear suspension as the seasons progressed. Ridden by Albert Roger, this machine set the Brands Hatch grass-track lap record in 1949, a mark that will stand forever as the Kentish circuit has been Tarmac-surfaced since the winter of 1949/1950. Although the engine started life as a '350', its present capacity is not known.
In April 2000 the Arter Collection, including the famous ex-works AJS 'Porcupine' racer, was sold by Bonhams at Stafford, though Tom kept his much-loved old grass-tracker. The machine languished in a corner of the now emptied workshop for many years before Tom Arter Jnr asked a family friend, Richard Mummery, to rebuild what he referred to as 'a family heirloom'. Undertaken during 2015, the restoration included rebuilding the engine with a new big-end assembly and new piston rings, and grinding-in the valves (the piston crown was found to be flat, indicating a compression ratio of around 8.5:1). The cycle parts were powder-coated, and the magneto overhauled, while replacement parts fitted include a stainless-steel exhaust pipe, vacuum valve (to prevent wet-sumping), new oil pipes, new fasteners, an Amal carburettor body (found in the race workshop), and a suitable fuel tank. A list of the parts fitted, and their costs is on file.
Since the rebuild's completion in 2015, Richard has displayed the Arter AJS at the International West Kent Run (2015 and 2016), the Barham Vintage Rally (2017), and the Ashford Classic Motorcycle Show (Easter Monday 2017). The machine was last run in October 2018. The accompanying history file contains period photographs, press cuttings, and the aforementioned rebuild details and letters from the AJS factory. Offered for sale by the Arter family, this unique AJS represents a wonderful opportunity to own a purpose-built competition machine raced by one of the biggest names in British motorcycle sport.
• Brand Hatch grass-track lap record holder
• Numerous in-period modifications
• Restored in 2015
The unique AJS offered here was delivered new in May 1938 to Tom Arter, renowned grass-track and trials competitor of the 1930s/1940s, who would go on to pursue an equally successful career as a tuner/entrant, supporting stars such as Bill Lomas, Dickie Dale, Mike Duff, and Peter Williams. AJS Motor Cycles' letter concerning Tom's purchase is on file together with another congratulating him on winning the 'Silver Wings' race at the Ashford Speedway in April 1939.
Like most extensively campaigned competition machines, the Arter AJS would be extensively modified, gaining a Manx Norton cylinder barrel, telescopic front forks, and McCandless-type swinging-arm rear suspension as the seasons progressed. Ridden by Albert Roger, this machine set the Brands Hatch grass-track lap record in 1949, a mark that will stand forever as the Kentish circuit has been Tarmac-surfaced since the winter of 1949/1950. Although the engine started life as a '350', its present capacity is not known.
In April 2000 the Arter Collection, including the famous ex-works AJS 'Porcupine' racer, was sold by Bonhams at Stafford, though Tom kept his much-loved old grass-tracker. The machine languished in a corner of the now emptied workshop for many years before Tom Arter Jnr asked a family friend, Richard Mummery, to rebuild what he referred to as 'a family heirloom'. Undertaken during 2015, the restoration included rebuilding the engine with a new big-end assembly and new piston rings, and grinding-in the valves (the piston crown was found to be flat, indicating a compression ratio of around 8.5:1). The cycle parts were powder-coated, and the magneto overhauled, while replacement parts fitted include a stainless-steel exhaust pipe, vacuum valve (to prevent wet-sumping), new oil pipes, new fasteners, an Amal carburettor body (found in the race workshop), and a suitable fuel tank. A list of the parts fitted, and their costs is on file.
Since the rebuild's completion in 2015, Richard has displayed the Arter AJS at the International West Kent Run (2015 and 2016), the Barham Vintage Rally (2017), and the Ashford Classic Motorcycle Show (Easter Monday 2017). The machine was last run in October 2018. The accompanying history file contains period photographs, press cuttings, and the aforementioned rebuild details and letters from the AJS factory. Offered for sale by the Arter family, this unique AJS represents a wonderful opportunity to own a purpose-built competition machine raced by one of the biggest names in British motorcycle sport.
Footnotes
As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.
Mortons Archive
Additional information
Looking for a similar item?
Our Motorcycles specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialistSpecialist section
Auction Viewings
- 28 April 2001, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
- 27 April 2019, 09:00 - 18:00 BST
