LOT 355

1938 AJS 245cc Model 22 Registration no. DRW 408 Frame no. 7385 Engine no. 38/22 42425

Estimate: £7,000 - £10,000

Lot 355

1938 AJS 245cc Model 22

The Spring Stafford Sale - The International Classic MotorCycle Show|22 April 2023, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1938 AJS 245cc Model 22
Registration no. DRW 408
Frame no. 7385
Engine no. 38/22 42425

The Model 22 was one of two new AJS overhead-valve machines introduced for 1935 (the other being the 348cc Model 26) both of which featured a vertical cylinder, twin-port cylinder head and forward-mounted magneto. Enclosure of the valve gear had arrived by 1936 and a single-port 'head - standard on the competition version - became available later. Production continued until 1940.

This Model 22 was bought circa 1998 in pieces from a friend (who advised he'd found it under a tarpaulin in Liverpool in the early 1970s) and has been completely restored by the engineer vendor. He undertook all the work himself, including finding correct Webb forks and a correct front mudguard (with ridge); completed all the paintwork (and some minor chrome plating); and carried out a full mechanical rebuild. (NB: a high-compression piston is fitted so appropriate plugs need to be used.)

The machine is offered ready to run but has not been started due to the vendor's ill health. Safety checks and recommissioning will be required before use. Accompanying paperwork consists of sundry bills; an old-style continuation logbook (issued 1951); an old-style V5C document; and an original 1955 tax disc. The machine is offered with a quantity of spares, including a complete engine (with twin-port head) in pieces.

Footnotes

All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

Saleroom notices

The engine number is: 38/22 4242 S

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
Buyers Premium and Charges
Buyers Premium and Charges
Memorabilia and Spares
For Memorabilia and Spares (Lots 1-117) the Buyers Premium is 27.5% on the first £20,000 of the hammer price; 26% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £20,000 up to and including £700,000; 20% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £700,000 up to and including £4,500,000 and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,000.
Motorcycles
For Motorcycles (Lots 201-276 & 301-560) the Buyers Premium will be 15% on the first £500,000 of the Hammer Price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter.
Buyers attention is drawn to Condition 7 of the Notice to Bidders. VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import License or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such License or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancelation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Payment Notices
For payment information please refer to the sale catalog.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licences please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.
- Motorcycles