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LOT 205

The Bob Howard Collection 1954 AJS 498cc Model 20 Spring Twin Registration no. VPK 818 Frame no. A22441 Engine no. 23517

Sold for £2,070 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 205

The Bob Howard Collection, 1954 AJS 498cc Model 20 Spring Twin

The Bob Howard Collection
1954 AJS 498cc Model 20 Spring Twin
Registration no. VPK 818
Frame no. A22441
Engine no. 23517

The last of the major British motorcycle manufacturers to offer a parallel twin, Associated Motor Cycles did not announce its own until the Earls Court Motorcycle Show of 1948, and even then production was for export only. Typed Model 20 (AJS) and G9 (Matchless), the two newcomers followed the established pattern of British parallel twins but were unusual in having an engine with a third, central, crankshaft main bearing. The new 498cc power unit was housed in the swinging-arm frame recently introduced on AMC's heavyweight singles, and for once there was a fair amount of variation between the two marques, which featured their own individual tanks, seats and exhaust pipes in addition to the customary badge and colour scheme differences.

Its accompanying original logbook records that this Model 20 was first registered as 'VPK 818' on 8th November 1954 to S R Jeffery & Son Ltd of Guildford, Surrey. The AJS has belonged to Bob Howard since 10th October 2013. Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent and thus is sold strictly as viewed (inspection highly recommended). A total of 33,693 miles is displayed on the odometer. Accompanying documentation includes Gov.uk MoT history; an HPI report; sundry invoices; tax remainders; an instruction manual; spares lists; and a V5C.
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.
Please see the Auction Information and Guide for Buyers at the top of the main sale page, for bidders' obligations. The Autumn Stafford Sale

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This Lot will be auctioned on Sunday 12 October, with the auction starting at 11am GMT.

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  • 11 October 2025, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
  • 12 October 2025, 09:00 - 17:00 BST

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