LOT 175 ¤Ω
1938 AJS 1,000cc Model 2 Frame no. 941 Engine no. 38/2 2373
Sold for US$43,700 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 175¤,Ω
1938 AJS 1,000cc Model 2 Frame no. 941 Engine no. 38/2 2373
The Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction|23 January 2020, 12:30 PST|Las Vegas, Caesar's Entertainment Studios
1938 AJS 1,000cc Model 2
Frame no. 941
Engine no. 38/2 2373
Frame no. 941
Engine no. 38/2 2373
• Together with its Matchless half-sister an icon of British craftsmanship
• A British pre-WW2 V-twin workhorse everyone loved
• A British warhorse during WW2
Ill-timed diversification that coincided with the post-Wall Street Crash Depression would result in the sad demise of A J Stevens Ltd, which had been manufacturing motorcycles of high quality at its Wolverhampton works since 1911. AJS was taken over by Matchless in 1931 and production shifted to the latter's factory in Woolwich (near Plumstead), south-east London. (The high-populated Plumstead in the London borough of Greenwich was mentioned twice in the Domesday Book of 1080, the Royal Arsenal at Woolwich was nearby and it was a center for the Plymouth Brethren, close to the river Thames. Not, perhaps, the best location for a motorcycle factory.) From then onwards the two marques' ranges became increasingly similar, using the same engines, gearboxes and other major components.
Traditionally designated 'Model 2', AJS's top-of-the-range V-twin continued in its Wolverhampton-built form for the next season before being replaced in July 1932 (model year 1933) by a long-established Matchless Model X-engined equivalent. Intended primarily for sidecar duty, the newcomer became available to 'export' specification during 1933 complete with American-style foot-operated clutch, left-side gear lever and swept-back handlebars. While lesser models came and went, the stately Model X and Model 2 remained fixtures of their respective ranges, progressively updated, until 1940.
The Model 2 continued to be available in domestic and export forms until 1939 and was, indeed, included in the catalog for 1940. It did not reappear after the War's end. As soon as war was declared on 1st September 1939, Britain's War Office commandeered all unsold civilian motorcycles for redistribution to the Armed Forces. Obviously, this example escaped conscription.
This lovely, rare example is both show and rider ready (last ridden November 2019). The fuel tank, other paintwork and the exhaust pipes have been painted and rechromed respectively to show quality. Yet the bike starts and runs very smoothly shifting through the 4-speed gearbox like knife through butter. Its handling is remarkably precise and accurate given the size of the bike; putting it on its center stand remarkably easy thanks to a proper balance calculation when on the drawing board. The electrical system has been converted to 12-volts with an LED front headlamp globe; it operates with a total-loss system that is easy to charge. An original AJS operator's manual comes with the bike.
The AJS/Matchless motor was bought by Brough Superior – a period endorsement – thus further reinforcing the positive appeal of this rare, iconic British V-twin. And this example of a 'Plumstead flyer' can be taken seriously by showman and rider alike.
• A British pre-WW2 V-twin workhorse everyone loved
• A British warhorse during WW2
Ill-timed diversification that coincided with the post-Wall Street Crash Depression would result in the sad demise of A J Stevens Ltd, which had been manufacturing motorcycles of high quality at its Wolverhampton works since 1911. AJS was taken over by Matchless in 1931 and production shifted to the latter's factory in Woolwich (near Plumstead), south-east London. (The high-populated Plumstead in the London borough of Greenwich was mentioned twice in the Domesday Book of 1080, the Royal Arsenal at Woolwich was nearby and it was a center for the Plymouth Brethren, close to the river Thames. Not, perhaps, the best location for a motorcycle factory.) From then onwards the two marques' ranges became increasingly similar, using the same engines, gearboxes and other major components.
Traditionally designated 'Model 2', AJS's top-of-the-range V-twin continued in its Wolverhampton-built form for the next season before being replaced in July 1932 (model year 1933) by a long-established Matchless Model X-engined equivalent. Intended primarily for sidecar duty, the newcomer became available to 'export' specification during 1933 complete with American-style foot-operated clutch, left-side gear lever and swept-back handlebars. While lesser models came and went, the stately Model X and Model 2 remained fixtures of their respective ranges, progressively updated, until 1940.
The Model 2 continued to be available in domestic and export forms until 1939 and was, indeed, included in the catalog for 1940. It did not reappear after the War's end. As soon as war was declared on 1st September 1939, Britain's War Office commandeered all unsold civilian motorcycles for redistribution to the Armed Forces. Obviously, this example escaped conscription.
This lovely, rare example is both show and rider ready (last ridden November 2019). The fuel tank, other paintwork and the exhaust pipes have been painted and rechromed respectively to show quality. Yet the bike starts and runs very smoothly shifting through the 4-speed gearbox like knife through butter. Its handling is remarkably precise and accurate given the size of the bike; putting it on its center stand remarkably easy thanks to a proper balance calculation when on the drawing board. The electrical system has been converted to 12-volts with an LED front headlamp globe; it operates with a total-loss system that is easy to charge. An original AJS operator's manual comes with the bike.
The AJS/Matchless motor was bought by Brough Superior – a period endorsement – thus further reinforcing the positive appeal of this rare, iconic British V-twin. And this example of a 'Plumstead flyer' can be taken seriously by showman and rider alike.
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.
Saleroom notices
Please note, the title will be in transit.
Additional information
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| ¤ | No Reserve |
| Unless indicated by the ¤ symbol next to the lot number (or bearing an explicit statement such as "No Reserve" or "Without Reserve"), which denotes no reserve, all lots in the catalog are subject to a reserve. The reserve is the minimum hammer price that the seller is willing to accept for a lot. This amount is confidential and does not exceed the low estimate value. | |
| Ω | Import Duty |
| Lot is subject to US Customs duty or tariff and/or related import fees payable by the buyer as part of the purchase price. Please refer to the Specialist Department managing the auction for details. |
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