LOT 44

Offered from the estate of the late Len Clutterbuck 1959 AJS 349cc 7R Racing Motorcycle Registration no. not registered Frame no. 1653 Engine no. 1653

Sold for £17,250 inc. premium

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Lot 44

Offered from the estate of the late Len Clutterbuck, 1959 AJS 349cc 7R Racing Motorcycle

Motorcycles Online - The Spring Sale|23 February 2026, 12:43 GMT|Online, Milton Keynes

Offered from the estate of the late Len Clutterbuck
1959 AJS 349cc 7R Racing Motorcycle
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. 1653
Engine no. 1653

Built from 1948 to 1963, Associated Motor Cycles' AJS 7R - known as the 'Boy Racer' - was one of the most successful over-the-counter racing motorcycles of all time. Almost all of Britain's road-race stars of the 1950s and '60s rode a 7R at some stage of their careers, and the model remains a major force in classic racing today. The 7R was conceived as a customer machine for sale to private owners, but was also campaigned by the factory. Although a new design by Phil Walker, the 7R with its chain-driven overhead-camshaft was very reminiscent of the AJS 'cammy' singles of pre-war days. While - initially - not as powerful as the Velocette KTT and Junior Manx Norton, the 7R's robust and simple construction endeared it to the privateer responsible for his own maintenance. While the duplex loop frame and Teledraulic front fork remained essentially unchanged throughout production, the engine underwent almost continuous revision, eventually producing 41bhp in 'short-stroke' configuration. AMC's own gearbox replaced the previous Burman in 1958.

This AJS 7R carries scrutineering stickers from the Castle Coombe circuit for the 27/28th June 2015 meeting, which is very likely when it was last raced (ridden by Neil Larson we're advised), before its last use in 2015 it was regularly paraded at the VMCC 1,000 bikes festival at Mallory Park by Len. A rare matching-numbers example, it has an engine built by John Goodall. No further history is known. The AJS has not been started since around 2019, since when it has been dry stored, the engine being turned over periodically. Following a period of inactivity, recommissioning or possibly more extensive restoration will be required before further use and thus this motorcycle is sold strictly as viewed. There are no documents with this Lot.
Key not required

Footnotes

BUYER'S PREMIUM
The Buyer's Premium for this Lot is 15%+VAT on the first £500k of the Hammer Price, and 12%+VAT on the balance thereafter.

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.

CONDITIONS OF SALE, AUCTION INFORMATION & GUIDE FOR BUYERS
Please see the 'CONDITIONS OF SALE, AUCTION INFORMATION & GUIDE FOR BUYERS' at the top of the main sale page (Motorcycles Online - The Spring Sale) for all pertinent information regarding bidder's obligations, viewing, bidding, payment, post-sale collection & transportation.

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Additional information

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