LOT 350
1949 AJS 7R 350cc Racing Motorcycle Registration no. not registered Frame no. 122 Engine no. 49/7R 592
Sold for £20,125 inc. premium
Lot 350
1949 AJS 7R 350cc Racing MotorcycleRegistration no. not registered Frame no. 122 Engine no. 49/7R 592
The Autumn Stafford Sale: The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|20 October 2019, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground
1949 AJS 7R 350cc Racing Motorcycle
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. 122
Engine no. 49/7R 592
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. 122
Engine no. 49/7R 592
• Fully restored between 1991 and 1995
• On museum display from 2000 to 2012
• Present ownership since 2012
• Unused since acquisition
Built from 1948 to 1963, Associated Motor Cycles' AJS 7R - known as the 'Boy Racer' - was one of the most successful over-the-counter racing motorcycles of all time. Almost all of Britain's road-race stars of the 1950s and 1960s rode a 7R at some stage of their careers and the model remains a major force in classic racing today, being highly sought after by competitors and collectors alike.
Although a new design by Phil Walker, the 7R, with its chain-driven overhead-camshaft, was very reminiscent of the AJS 'cammy' singles of pre-war days. Despite the fact that the 7R was not, initially, as powerful as its main rivals - the Velocette KTT and Junior Manx Norton – its robust and simple construction endeared the model to the privateer responsible for his own maintenance. While the duplex loop frame and Teledraulic front fork remained essentially unchanged throughout production, the engine underwent almost continuous revision: the valve angle being progressively narrowed, the crankshaft made stronger and, in 1956, engine dimensions changed from the original long-stroke 74x81mm bore/stroke to the 'squarer' 75.5x78mm, permitting higher revs. AMC's own gearbox replaced the previous Burman in 1958, while engine development continued almost to the end of production, by which time the 7R was putting out around 41bhp.
This example was fully restored between 1991 and 1995, then paraded and displayed at VMCC and other events up to 2000. Between 2000 and 2012 the machine was carefully stored and maintained while on display at the M&C Motorcycle Collection in Bakewell, Derbyshire. The current vendor purchased the AJS at Bonhams' Stafford Sale in April 2012 (Lot 381), since when it has not been used. Re-commissioning and the customary safety checks will be required before returning the machine to the road following its lengthy period of inactivity. Sold strictly as viewed.
• On museum display from 2000 to 2012
• Present ownership since 2012
• Unused since acquisition
Built from 1948 to 1963, Associated Motor Cycles' AJS 7R - known as the 'Boy Racer' - was one of the most successful over-the-counter racing motorcycles of all time. Almost all of Britain's road-race stars of the 1950s and 1960s rode a 7R at some stage of their careers and the model remains a major force in classic racing today, being highly sought after by competitors and collectors alike.
Although a new design by Phil Walker, the 7R, with its chain-driven overhead-camshaft, was very reminiscent of the AJS 'cammy' singles of pre-war days. Despite the fact that the 7R was not, initially, as powerful as its main rivals - the Velocette KTT and Junior Manx Norton – its robust and simple construction endeared the model to the privateer responsible for his own maintenance. While the duplex loop frame and Teledraulic front fork remained essentially unchanged throughout production, the engine underwent almost continuous revision: the valve angle being progressively narrowed, the crankshaft made stronger and, in 1956, engine dimensions changed from the original long-stroke 74x81mm bore/stroke to the 'squarer' 75.5x78mm, permitting higher revs. AMC's own gearbox replaced the previous Burman in 1958, while engine development continued almost to the end of production, by which time the 7R was putting out around 41bhp.
This example was fully restored between 1991 and 1995, then paraded and displayed at VMCC and other events up to 2000. Between 2000 and 2012 the machine was carefully stored and maintained while on display at the M&C Motorcycle Collection in Bakewell, Derbyshire. The current vendor purchased the AJS at Bonhams' Stafford Sale in April 2012 (Lot 381), since when it has not been used. Re-commissioning and the customary safety checks will be required before returning the machine to the road following its lengthy period of inactivity. Sold strictly as viewed.
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.
Additional information
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- 19 October 2019, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
- 20 October 2019, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
