LOT 245

c.1955 AJS 350cc 7R Racing Motorcycle Frame no. 208 (overpainted) Engine no. none

Sold for £9,775 inc. premium

Lot 245

c.1955 AJS 350cc 7R Racing Motorcycle

The Spring Stafford Sale - The International Classic MotorCycle Show|20 April 2024, 14:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

c.1955 AJS 350cc 7R Racing Motorcycle
Frame no. 208 (overpainted)
Engine no. none

Built from 1948 to 1963, Associated Motor Cycles' AJS 7R - known as the 'Boy Racer' - was one of the most successful over-the-counter racing motorcycles of all time. Almost all of Britain's road-race stars of the 1950s and '60s rode a 7R at some stage of their careers, and the model remains a major force in classic racing today. The 7R was conceived as a customer machine for sale to private owners, but was also campaigned by the factory. Although a new design by Phil Walker, the 7R with its chain-driven overhead-camshaft was very reminiscent of the AJS 'cammy' singles of pre-war days. While - initially - not as powerful as the Velocette KTT and Junior Manx Norton, the 7R's robust and simple construction endeared it to the privateer responsible for his own maintenance. While the duplex loop frame and Teledraulic front fork remained essentially unchanged throughout production, the engine underwent almost continuous revision, eventually producing 41bhp in 'short-stroke' configuration. AMC's own gearbox replaced the previous Burman in 1958.

The AJS 7R offered here was purchased by the late owner from a UK auction in October 2015. The machine had belonged to the seller since 2009 and was described as a 'very original race bike' (although it should be noted the engine cases are aluminium and not magnesium). It was also said to have undergone a full restoration during 2014. Having been stored in controlled conditions and unused since purchase the machine will require recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent before further use and thus is sold strictly as viewed.

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.

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This Lot will be auctioned on Saturday 20 April starting at 2pm GMT.

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