Skip to main content

LOT 381

1953 AJS 347cc 16MS Registration no. KAS 998 Frame no. 98637 Engine no. 53/16MS 17759

Sold for £1,955 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

1953 AJS 347cc 16MS
Registration no. KAS 998
Frame no. 98637
Engine no. 53/16MS 17759

• Original specification 1950s big single
• Running, useable condition

AJS were relative latecomers to motorcycle manufacture in 1909. When they ran into financial troubles in 1931 they were taken over by Matchless. In 1938 the group name was changed to Associated Motor Cycles Limited. Always a mainstay of the AJS range, the 350cc capacity was first equipped with overhead valves from 1923. During the war, the Matchless version of the 350 was one of the main despatch riders' mounts, and after the conflict, AJS announced the model 16M as soon as possible, to get back into civilian production. Basically the WD model, with a different paint scheme, it was to remain in the range, with variations, until 1966.

The vendor acquired KAS 998 early in 2026 from an acquaintance. It had been restored by a previous owner during 1992 to 2002, as examination of the invoices on file reveals.
The machine starts, runs and drives, with everything working as it should. The vendor advises that, if standing unused for a period of time, in common with most AMC singles, it will tend to wet-sump. There is a dating certificate on file from the AJS / Matchless Owners club confirming it was manufactured in 1953. Since its last MoT in 2002, the machine has covered only 47 miles. Having purchased other bikes recently, the machine is now surplus to the vendor's requirements due to space restrictions.

Documentation comprises a current V5C, an old V5, an expired MoT certificate, the aforementioned invoices, a copy spares list, and sundry papers. Presently on SORN.
Key not required

Additional information

Own a similar item?

Submit your item online for a free auction estimate.

How to sell

Looking for a similar item?

Our Motorcycles specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.

Find your local specialist

Specialist section

Auction Viewings

  • 10 October 2026, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
  • 11 October 2026, 09:00 - 17:00 BST

Bid now on these items

Triumph T90 Racer
United Kingdom
Coming soon

Triumph T90 Racer

£1,500 - £3,000
1954 Moto Guzzi 250 Airone Sport
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1954 Moto Guzzi 250 Airone Sport

£2,000 - £3,000
1978 Moto Guzzi Le Mans MkI
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1978 Moto Guzzi Le Mans MkI

£1,500 - £2,500
c.1970 Moto Guzzi 850GT
United Kingdom
Coming soon

c.1970 Moto Guzzi 850GT

£1,500 - £2,000
1993 Triumph Speed Triple 995i,
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1993 Triumph Speed Triple 995i,

£1,600 - £2,400
1969, Norton Commando 750 Fastback Project
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1969, Norton Commando 750 Fastback Project

£1,500 - £2,000
1976 Honda 72cc ST70 Dax
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1976 Honda 72cc ST70 Dax

£1,200 - £2,000
1972 Yamaha XS650
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1972 Yamaha XS650

£1,200 - £1,500
c.1970 Honda CB450 DOHC
United Kingdom
Coming soon

c.1970 Honda CB450 DOHC

£1,500 - £2,500
1982 Yamaha XS650
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1982 Yamaha XS650

£1,800 - £2,400
1952 Moto Guzzi 250 Airone Sport
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1952 Moto Guzzi 250 Airone Sport

£2,000 - £3,000
1969 Moto Guzzi V7 Special
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1969 Moto Guzzi V7 Special

£1,500 - £2,000
c.1980 Honda 49cc 'CR110 Replica' Racing Motorcycle
United Kingdom
Coming soon

c.1980 Honda 49cc 'CR110 Replica' Racing Motorcycle

£2,000 - £3,000
1978 Yamaha XS650 Special
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1978 Yamaha XS650 Special

£1,800 - £2,400
1980 Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans MkII,
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1980 Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans MkII,

£2,000 - £3,000
c.1965 Yamaha 305 YM1
United Kingdom
Coming soon

c.1965 Yamaha 305 YM1

£1,800 - £2,400
1972 Ducati 350 Mk3
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1972 Ducati 350 Mk3

£2,000 - £5,000
1976 Moto Guzzi Le Mans MkI
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1976 Moto Guzzi Le Mans MkI

£2,000 - £3,000
1966 Honda CB450 'Black Bomber'
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1966 Honda CB450 'Black Bomber'

£2,000 - £4,000
A rare Elliott Brothers double speedometer/odometer,
United Kingdom

A rare Elliott Brothers double speedometer/odometer,

£2,000 - £3,000
A wicker-cased picnic set for four persons by G.W.Scott & Sons, circa 1905,
United Kingdom

A wicker-cased picnic set for four persons by G.W.Scott & Sons, circa 1905,

£1,800 - £2,400
A Victorian pedal car, circa 1900,
United Kingdom

A Victorian pedal car, circa 1900,

£1,800 - £2,400
A Tricycle Velocipede, 1870s, originally housed in the Estate of Osbourne House, 1870s-1901,
United Kingdom

A Tricycle Velocipede, 1870s, originally housed in the Estate of Osbourne House, 1870s-1901,

£2,000 - £3,000
A 'The Parade No 1' safety bicycle, by Pullinger & Co, New Cross, London, 1890,
United Kingdom

A 'The Parade No 1' safety bicycle, by Pullinger & Co, New Cross, London, 1890,

£1,500 - £2,000