LOT 237

1950 AJS Model 18CS Trials Registration no. CAS 817 Frame no. 2447C Engine no. n/a (unstamped)

Sold for £3,450 inc. premium

Lot 237

1950 AJS Model 18CS Trials

The Autumn Stafford Sale - The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|12 October 2025, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1950 AJS Model 18CS Trials
Registration no. CAS 817
Frame no. 2447C
Engine no. n/a (unstamped)

'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 derived from the wartime Matchless G3, Associated Motor Cycles dominated UK trials in the immediate post-war years. While most riders favoured the 350cc version, 500cc machines such as this are rarer and today remain highly regarded and competitive in Pre-'65 trials.
This AJS Model 18CS is accompanied by a certificate from the AJS & Matchless Owners' Club confirming the frame dates from 1950, together with a further letter identifying the machine as an 18CS. The history file includes old MOTs, its current V5C, and an old-style V5C showing the vendor's purchase in 2006 from John Brennan of Banbury, who had acquired the machine in 2001. That document also records four previous keepers since March 1960.
Originally registered as PVW 777, the motorcycle was purchased by the vendor via the AJS & Matchless Owners' Club sales outlet in Kettering. A number of items were returned to correct specification following acquisition (including the rear wheel, seat, forks, front mudguard and oil pump shaft). Around 2012 the machine suffered a piston failure, after which the engine was substantially rebuilt by a specialist, albeit without supporting invoices (the only evidence being cheque stubs from the period). Since then it has remained in storage and unused, and will likely require careful recommissioning and running-in before being returned to regular use.

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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1950 AJS Model 18CS Trials

1950 AJS Model 18CS TrialsRegistration no. CAS 817Frame no. 2447CEngine no. n/a (unstamped)

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1950 AJS Model 18CS Trials
Registration no. CAS 817
Frame no. 2447C
Engine no. n/a (unstamped)