The Richard Johns Collection, 1933 AJS 474cc 33-7 Camshaft Trophy Competition Model

• Extremely desirable post vintage cammy AJS
• Restored meticulously to a very high standard
• Previously flat tracked in North America
• Restoration by a professional engine designer with 45 years experience

There is a lovely background story to the re-emergence of the ohc AJS following the 1931 takeover by Matchless: George Rowley, a loyal Wolverhampton AJS man, who raced in 19 TTs between 1925 and 1939 always AJS mounted, moved to Matchless following the takeover. Shortly afterwards an invoice from Cooks (the travel people) arrived requesting an advance payment of £10 shipping charges before they would release a 350 ohc AJS racer which had been left in Italy sometime before. The Collier brothers (who ran Matchless) wouldn't pay the invoice, and George ended up by paying it himself, storing the bike in a corner of the factory. When the opportunity arose, he checked it over, started it up, and found everything to be in good order. He had been told "no racing" by his new bosses, but against orders, in 1932 he entered the bike in both the 350 & 500 classes of the 100 mile Grand Prix at Brooklands. The motorcycling press got wind of this and speculated that it might indicate a return to racing for AJS. Inevitably Harry Collier got to hear of it, and George was reprimanded in no uncertain manner. Nonetheless he was allowed to race, and came in 5th and 7th respectively, with the Colliers there spectating. They were so impressed by his performance on an obsolete machine that work on a new generation of ohc AJSs began henceforth.

The 1933 33/7 Camshaft Trophy model featured a broadly similar engine design to the Wolverhampton built machines, the most obvious visual difference being that the magneto was now sited behind rather than in front of the engine. There were also changes to the lubrication of the cambox, and a new frame was used. The bike was offered in both "Competition" and "Race" trim.

Richard Johns found this Competition variant of the model in Canada where it had been flat tracked. He registered it here in the UK in October 2017 and an age-related registration number was issued. When the bike arrived Richard judged that, as far as he could tell, the frame, forks, hubs, tanks, crankcases, barrel, head, cambox, both oil pumps and the carb were original. However the gearbox was an incorrect Burman BAP, and a non-original megaphone was fitted to a nicely bent new exhaust pipe. Some components had been drilled for lightness. Later, when the engine was stripped prior to meticulous reassembly, the engine was found to be fitted with a Harley conrod and new piston, and featured a 3" x 4" bore and stroke giving a swept volume of 474cc (very close to the larger 33-10 model's bore and stroke of 79 x 101mm, and 495cc), with a compression ratio of 9:1. This work had been performed to a high standard, presumably for competition work in North America. It should be noted that the accompanying V5C records the original capacity of 346cc.

A total restoration was started in January 2022. The engine was in generally good condition, but work was required in various areas including the cambox and camshaft drive. Other work included fitting a Sturmey Archer EIV gearbox in place of the incorrect Burman unit, making a new positive stop mechanism, fitting a new (Norton) clutch, repairing and refinishing the petrol tank, rebuilding the wheels with new wheel rims and spokes, overhauling the magneto and carb, fitting a new cover to the Dunlop saddle etc. New engine plates, mudguards, stays, oil pipes, toolbox, and a silencer were fitted. The larger plated items were chromed, with the smaller parts being chromated zinc. An A10 driptray was added to keep petrol off the magneto. A full lighting set was fitted featuring a gel battery (currently disconnected with a fuse taped to the fuseholder) and LED bulbs. With the anticipation of only limited miles to be covered after dark, coupled with the low drain of the LED bulbs, Richard designed this as a total loss system, and no dynamo is fitted. The entirety of the work is documented and illustrated in Richard's very detailed blog, and we encourage all interested parties to view it here:
Blog Link

Please take the opportunity to view the running video on our website. The 33/7 comes with an A4 coffee-table book which is a copiously illustrated account of the restoration. As with all the machines in this collection, Richard will be happy to advise the new owner in relation to any technical queries. Only a few miles have been covered following the restoration and the bike therefore still requires shaking down and running in. Please note that this is the only bike of the four in this collection which runs on mineral rather than castor oil, and the bike's new owner is reminded to turn on the oil tap before starting the engine! A copy of the 1933 AJS handbook for their ohc models is supplied. Richard's extraordinary engineering skills and his 45 years of experience as a professional engine designer are reflected in the quality of the restoration of this very desirable post vintage cammy AJS – don't miss this rare opportunity!

Prospective bidders must satisfy themselves regarding the motorcycle's provenance, condition, age, completeness, and originality prior to bidding. Sold strictly as seen.
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