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LOT 348

1930 AJS 248cc R12 Registration no. MY 5738 Frame no. R136572 Engine no. 136572 R

Sold for £2,875 inc. premium

1930 AJS 248cc R12
Registration no. MY 5738
Frame no. R136572
Engine no. 136572 R

Despite the company's mounting financial difficulties, Wolverhampton-based AJS introduced a comprehensively redesigned range for 1930, all models for this year being coded 'R'. This new line-up was notable for including models with fashionable 'sloper' engines for the first time, while all the overhead-valve types featured twin-port cylinder heads. Baby of the range was the new overhead-valve 248cc Model 12 'Two Port', a compact, lightweight and stylish sports roadster very much in the AJS tradition. Listed as the 'S12' for 1931, this delightful little model did not survive the Matchless takeover in its original form. There was no AJS '250' listed for 1932 and when the Model 12 returned to the range for 1933 (as the 33/12 Big Port) it had a 'sloper' engine.

One of the final Wolverhampton-built models made before AJS's acquisition by Matchless, this R12 was purchased by the current owner from the June 1978 auction sale of the Dan MacDiarmid Collection. Sold by order of Mrs Vera MacDiarmid, the sale consisted of the collection of motorcycles, spare parts, workshop tools, etc belonging to the late Dan MacDiarmid. The sale was held at 13 Rutland Crescent, Luton, Bedfordshire under the auspices of auctioneer Robin Read. Lot 1, the AJS was described as fully restored by Dan and used by him for a few road events circa 1972; it was said to have had four owners from new.

As offered today, the AJS boasts matching crankcase mating numbers ('R1378') and is presented in 'oily-rag' condition (the engine turns over). Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning and/or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding. The machine is offered with the 1978 auction listing and old/current V5/V5C registration documents.
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