LOT 794

1928 AJS 495cc K10 with Swinging-arm Conversion Registration no. TK 649 (see text) Frame no. to be advised Engine no. 10/120056

Sold for £5,175 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 794

1928 AJS 495cc K10 with Swinging-arm Conversion
Registration no. TK 649 (see text) Frame no. to be advised Engine no. 10/120056

The Summer Sale - The International Classic MotorCycle Show (Three-Day Auction)|4 July 2021, 10:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1928 AJS 495cc K10 with Swinging-arm Conversion
Registration no. TK 649 (see text)
Frame no. to be advised
Engine no. 10/120056

• Rare Vintage-era overhead-camshaft sports model
• Present ownership since 1990
• Offered for restoration

Originally manufacturers of proprietary engines, the Stevens brothers of Wolverhampton introduced the first AJS motorcycle in 1911. Those first AJS machines were sidevalve-engined lightweights offered with belt-drive transmission or optional all-chain drive with a two-speed countershaft gearbox. This latter feature enabled them to put up a good showing in the Isle of Man TT's new Junior Class, an event AJS would later dominate. Eric Williams scored the marque's maiden Junior TT victory in 1914, and the first post-war Junior event saw the new overhead-valve AJS in commanding form. Indeed, so good was the newcomer that Howard Davies rode it to a unique double victory the following year, winning both the Junior and Senior TTs. In 1927 AJS's works 350cc racers appeared with a new overhead-camshaft engine. The camshaft was chain driven, its distinctive cast alloy case extending forwards to the front-mounted magneto. A catalogued model from 1928, the 'cammy' AJS was built in 350 and 500cc capacities initially, dry-sump lubrication being an unusual feature of the engines, which were carried in open diamond frames. A 250cc version followed, Jimmy Guthrie winning the Lightweight TT on one in 1930. Produced for only four seasons, the AJS overhead-camshaft racers were casualties of the Matchless take-over in 1931.

Purchased at a UK auction in February 1990 (invoice on file), this AJS K10 project comes with an old-style continuation logbook (1949) and a (part) old-style V5 document. However, it cannot be ascertained whether or not these documents relate to this motorcycle as the frame number has been obscured by the swinging-arm conversion. In any case, the registration 'TK 649' is not listed in the HPI database; accordingly, prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's registration status prior to bidding. Overhead-camshaft racing motorcycles of the Vintage period are rare, which makes this challenging AJS K10 project an exciting prospect for the dedicated motorcycle restorer. Sold strictly as viewed.

Saleroom notices

We have been unable to locate the frame number.

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