Formerly the property of Derrick Bedwell, 1951 AJS 497cc Model 18CS Scrambler

Registration no. NAU 550 Frame no. 2826 Engine no. 51/18 S 1003 C

• Rare Model 18CS
• Ex-Derrick Bedwell
• Delivered new delivered with a spare set of crankcases

Associated Motor Cycles announced its post-war range of Matchless and AJS heavyweight singles in June 1945. Housed in a rigid frame with Teledraulic front fork, the rugged overhead-valve engine drove via a four-speed gearbox. Hairpin valve springs were adopted for 1949 and a swinging-arm frame introduced, the latter initially for export only, models so-equipped being suffixed 'S'. The production scramblers also received the new frame that the works team had enjoyed since 1948; the trials models though, kept the rigid back end. The scrambles engine went all-alloy for 1950 and subsequently received different cams and larger valves before being redesigned with short-stroke dimensions for 1955. AMC continued to develop its four-stroke scramblers to the end of production in 1969, but by then the days of such heavyweight machines were at an end.

This rare Model 18CS comes with its original old-style logbook showing that it was first registered on 8th January 1951 to Blacknell Motors, Nottingham, passing to its first private owner – Derrick Bedwell – on 9th January 1952. Derrick Bedwell had worked for Rolls-Royce during WW2, helping to develop the Merlin engine. His favourite mode of transport at that time was the Velocette KTT MkVIII ridden by 'Ginger' Woods in the 1939 Isle of Man Junior TT. After WW2 Derrick competed in most forms of 'off-road' motorcycle sport while continuing to work for Rolls-Royce's aero engine division. A man with a love of all things mechanical, he was involved with various organisations in later life including the Rolls-Royce Heritage Trust, Bentley Motor Museum, Bomber Command Association, and the Singer Owners Club.

Derrick competed on the AJS for many years, winning an impressive haul of trophies, and only sold it (to the current vendor) in 2016 shortly before his death at the age of 95. 'NAU 550' had last been on the road in 1958. Unusually, this machine was delivered with a spare set of crankcases, stamped by the factory with the original number: the only instance Bonhams has ever come across. The new-old-stock cases are included in the sale together with the aforementioned trophies. Since acquisition the AJS has been restored to usable roadworthy condition: engine rebuilt; new wheels rims and tyres; new exhaust; new handlebars, etc. The AJS 7R front brake is particularly noteworthy. Last run earlier this year and Described by the vendor as in good condition, this rare AJS model 18CS is offered with a V5C document; the aforementioned logbook; a file of paperwork; a pair of leather scrambles trousers; and a quantity of spare parts.