1956 Jawa 500cc Grand Prix Racing Motorcycle

Frame no. P-500-36 Engine no. P-500-36

• One of four built in 1956
• Sold by the factory in 1958
• Kept in various private collections
• Partial restoration of the transmission and running gear

Czechoslovakia's National Arms Factory diversified into motorcycle manufacture in 1929, coining the name 'Jawa' for its two-wheeled products. Jawa's operations were combined with those of erstwhile rivals CZ in 1949, and throughout the 1950s and 1960s the marque's main claim to fame was an outstanding run of success in the ISDT, speedway racing and international moto-cross. In road racing, the two companies were not so successful, despite a spirit of innovation that saw them produce a diverse range of designs in the post-WW2 era.

Jawa commenced its post-war campaign with double-overhead-cam parallel twins in 250, 350 and 500cc capacities. Racing at first only behind the 'Iron Curtain', Jawa began to venture into western Europe in the 1950s, one of its most successful early forays being Jan Kostir's visit to Zandvoort in 1954 when he won the 500cc event, beating some of the top privateers from Britain and Holland. Progressively developed, the Jawa twins provided star rider Franta Stastny with numerous international wins and places in the 1960s.

As ridden by Kostir, Jawa's Grand Prix 500 produced a claimed maximum of 45bhp, good enough for a top speed just short of 130mph. The air-cooled twin-cylinder engine's aluminium alloy cylinders and 'heads sat above magnesium-alloy crankcases, while drive to the twin overhead camshafts was by means of shaft and bevel gears. There was an in-unit gearbox boasting four speeds and the entire ensemble was housed in a duplex loop frame made of square-section tubing.

The example we offer is one of the very last of its kind built, being one of four DOHC 500s completed in 1956. This particular machine was sold from the factory in 1958. At time of going to press no information regarding its race history had come to light. However, it has benefited from the expert attention of Jawa specialist, Roger Henderson, albeit some time ago. The work was confined to wheels, brakes, front suspension and primary transmission. The brake plates (magnesium) were stripped and the shoe retaining posts (badly worn) replicated and replaced. Cracks in the plates were repaired and the shoes relined. The front forks were stripped, checked and re-greased, and new Avon Grand Prix racing tyres fitted. No major problems were found. The carburettors have been stripped, ultrasonically cleaned, reassembled and refitted. The geared primary transmission has been stripped and all bearings replaced. The clutch has new bearings and new friction plates. No work has been done on the engine.

An example of a rare works Grand Prix racing motorcycle, manufactured in strictly limited numbers and only very infrequently offered for sale, this Jawa 500 represents an opportunity to gain entry into some of the most prestigious of historic motorcycle sport events worldwide. Key not required
Key not required