1937 AJS 982cc Model 37/2

Registration no. HV 8529 Frame no. 905 Engine no. 37/2 2400

• Present ownership since 2007
• Requires re-commissioning
• Brough Superior SS80 performance at a fraction of the cost

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 Plumstead, South London where the existing range continued largely unaltered initially. Indeed, the two marques would retain largely separate identities until the outbreak of WW2, although their models became increasingly similar, using the same engines, gearboxes, and other major components.

AJS's own 998cc sidevalve v-twin was one of the first models to be dropped, disappearing at the end of the '31 season, and for the next 12 months there was no large-capacity 'sidecar tug' in the range. That changed in July 1932 with the arrival of the new Model 2, which was powered by the engine of the long-established Matchless Model X. This 982cc sidevalve v-twin engine had first appeared in the 'X/2' in 1925 and would remain in production until the outbreak of WW2, being supplied to Brough Superior for use in the SS80 from 1935 onwards.

Intended primarily for sidecar duty, the Model 2 became available to 'export' specification during 1933 complete with American-style foot-operated clutch, left-side gear lever, and swept-back handlebars. The Model 2 continued to be available in domestic and export forms until 1939 and was included in the catalogue for 1940. Sadly, this imposing and handsome machine did not reappear after the War's end.

This AJS Model 2 has belonged to the vendor since October 2007. Believed to be an older restoration, 'HV 8529' is offered in need of re-commissioning, or possibly more extensive renovation, and is sold strictly as viewed (the engine turns and the machine would respond well to detailing). Accompanying documentation consists of an old-style continuation logbook and old/current V5/V5C Registration Certificates.