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LOT 612 N

1926 AJS 498cc Model G8 Registration no. not registered Frame no. G87220 Engine no. G88224

Sold for £13,800 inc. premium
Lot 612N

1926 AJS 498cc Model G8
Registration no. not registered Frame no. G87220 Engine no. G88224

1926 AJS 498cc Model G8
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. G87220
Engine no. G88224

After victory in the 1920 Junior TT, AJS's new overhead-valve '350' racer scored a memorable double the following year, Tom Sheard winning the Junior race and Howard Davies the Senior - the first time such a feat had been achieved on a '350'. The production version made its debut in November 1922, delighting clubmen everywhere with its 'racer on the road' performance. A right-first-time design destined to achieve countless successes in the hands of privateers, the overhead-valve '350' AJS, latterly known as the 'Big Port', changed only in detail before being superseded by a much-revised M6 model for 1929.

Originally built only as a '350', the 'Big Port' became available as a '500' for the first time in 1926. Coded G8 (G is AJS's letter code for 1926) the new 3½hp model followed the general lines of its successful smaller sibling. The engine combined the latter's 90mm stroke with an 84mm bore, distinguishing itself in the 1926 Isle of Man Senior TT when AJS works rider Jimmy Simpson became the first man to lap at over 70mph. Progressively updated, the Model 8 remained in production until the Matchless take-over in 1931.

This early example of the rarer, 500cc 'Big Port' was purchased in 2008. The machine is described by the vendor as in working order, having been cared for by the owner's in-house mechanic. There are no documents with this Lot.

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.

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Auction Viewings

  • 28 April 2001, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
  • 27 April 2019, 09:00 - 18:00 BST

Lot symbols

NNOVA declaration
If purchased by a UK resident, this machine is subject to a NOVA declaration, whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (SHIPPIO) to undertake the NOVA and C88 (customs) application if applicable on the Buyer's behalf. A fee of £350 + VAT to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice.

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