LOT 220

c.1930 AJS 495cc R10 Racing Motorcycle Registration no. not registered Frame no. 89641 Engine no. 89641 R10

Sold for £10,925 inc. premium

Lot 220

c.1930 AJS 495cc R10 Racing Motorcycle

The Autumn Stafford Sale - The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|13 October 2024, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

c.1930 AJS 495cc R10 Racing Motorcycle
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. 89641
Engine no. 89641 R10

In 1927 AJS's works racers appeared with a new overhead-camshaft engine, superseding the previous overhead-valve 'Big Port' models. 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-type frames. Along with the rest of the range the camshaft models received saddle tanks with purple side panels for 1929. A 250cc version followed, Jimmy Guthrie winning the Lightweight TT on one in 1930. Work by newly recruited former Norton tuners Nigel Spring and Bert Denly resulted in the production overhead-cam models adopting long-stroke dimensions for 1930, the R10 changing to 79x101mm from the preceding M10's 84x90mm. Production ceased with the Matchless take-over in 1931.

This example of the rare AJS R10 overhead-cam 500 was acquired by the late owner (the vendor's father-in-law) some 30 years ago as a restoration project. A considerable amount of work has been done over the years but the owner passed away before the rebuild could be finished. A few parts are missing but the exhaust tailpipe is present. Sold strictly as viewed, the machine comes with a quantity of technical literature (settings, tolerances, etc).
Key not required

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 Sunday 13 October starting at 11am GMT.

Saleroom notices

The engine number is R10/89641.

Additional information

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