LOT 495

1953 AJS 498cc Model 18C Trials Registration no. JNT 855 Frame no. 4246/C Engine no. 53/18 S 1338 C

Sold for £5,750 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

Lot 495

1953 AJS 498cc Model 18C Trials

The Spring Stafford Sale - The International Classic MotorCycle Show|21 April 2024, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1953 AJS 498cc Model 18C Trials
Registration no. JNT 855
Frame no. 4246/C
Engine no. 53/18 S 1338 C

At the end of the rigid's development with the ultra lightweight model announced in September 1953, those gleaming black machines with proud gold (AJS) or silver lining (Matchless) were the acme of the trials manufacturers' art, and were almost an exact replica of the highly successful works machines." – Don Morley, Classic British Trials Bikes, Osprey, 1984.

Using models based on the wartime Matchless G3 military machine, Associated Motor Cycles dominated the UK trials scene in the years immediately after WW2. Stars such as Hugh Viney and Gordon Jackson riding for AJS, and Artie Ratcliffe and Ted Usher for Matchless, won countless national events while clubmen everywhere favoured the Plumstead marques' products more than those of any of their rivals. At this time most riders favoured the 350cc mount for trials, 500cc models such as this one being comparative rarities, and today these reliable and easily managed models are much favoured in Pre-'65 trials events.

Acquired by John Marchant in March 2001, this AJS Model 18 Trials comes with a history file containing sundry bills; some expired MoTs; a quantity of photocopied literature (including a spares list); and old/current V5/V5C documents.

This machine has been stored in dry conditions and has seen little or no use since 2016. Accordingly, it is sold strictly as viewed and may require varying degrees of recommissioning and/or restoration prior to further use.

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.

REQUEST A TRANSPORT QUOTE

Please click the link to request a transport quote from our recommended transport company, Moving Motorcycles.

To request a UK or European shipping quote - Moving Motorcycles

To request an International shipping quote - Shippio

This Lot will be auctioned on Sunday 21 April starting at 11am GMT.

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 client services.
Buyers Premium and Charges
Buyers Premium and Charges
Memorabilia and Spares
For Memorabilia and Spares (Lots 1-91) the Buyers Premium is 28% on the first £40,000 of the hammer price; 27% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £40,000 up to and including £800,000; 21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £800,000 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 201-272 & 301-499) 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.
- Automobilia
- Motorcycles