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LOT 723

1936 AJS 982cc Model 2 Motorcycle Combination Registration no. CYN 145 Frame no. 593 Engine no. 36/2A 2097

Sold for £19,550 inc. premium
Lot 723

1936 AJS 982cc Model 2 Motorcycle Combination
Registration no. CYN 145 Frame no. 593 Engine no. 36/2A 2097

1936 AJS 982cc Model 2 Motorcycle Combination
Registration no. CYN 145
Frame no. 593
Engine no. 36/2A 2097

• One owner from 1953 to 2008
• An older restoration
• 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.

Apparently, an older restoration, this AJS Model 2 combination had been owned since 1953 by Mr Reginald Hall of Welling, Kent when it was acquired by the NMM in May 2008. Mr Hall had purchased the AJS from M F Sharland Ltd (Woolwich Motor Cycle Mart) for the princely sum of £22 10s (receipt on file). The accompanying old-style logbook in his name, issued in 1959, shows that 'CYN 145' was licensed as a 'Sidecar Bicycle' at that time. Additional paperwork consists of old insurance documents; some MoTs (most recent expired 2006); and an old-style V5C Registration Certificate. The machine's mechanical condition is not known; accordingly, prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to its condition, completeness, correctness, or otherwise prior to bidding.

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