LOT 63

1938 AJS 348cc Model 26 Silver Streak Registration no. 806 XUT Frame no. 5937 Engine no. 38/26SS 64548 A

Sold for £6,900 inc. premium

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Lot 63

1938 AJS 348cc Model 26 Silver Streak

Motorcycles Online - The Spring Sale|23 February 2026, 13:02 GMT|Online, Milton Keynes

1938 AJS 348cc Model 26 Silver Streak
Registration no. 806 XUT
Frame no. 5937
Engine no. 38/26SS 64548 A

Following the 1931 take-over of AJS by rivals Matchless, production was relocated from Wolverhampton to the latter's Woolwich factory. Inevitably, AJS's identity as a separate marque steadily eroded from then onwards as the machines became more like their Matchless counterparts. The Model 26 was one of two new overhead-valve machines introduced for 1935 (the other being the 245cc Model 22) featuring a vertical cylinder, twin-port cylinder head and forward-mounted magneto. A 497cc version - the Model 18 - was new for 1936. Enclosure of the valve gear had arrived by then and a single-port head - standard on the competition version - became available later. New for 1938 was the Silver Streak sports versions, which featured specially tuned engines and copious amounts of chromium plating. Production continued through 1939 and into 1940, though very few would have been built in the latter year.

Undeniably handsome, this rare Model 26 Silver Streak was purchased in 2014 from Verralls (receipt on file) and was in use until approximately 2020 according to the private vendor. Garage stored since acquisition, the machine will require recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent following a period of inactivity and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding.

Accompanying documentation includes the following;

• AJS & Matchless OC dating certificate/correspondence
• Purchase receipt (2014)
• 2018 invoice for various works including a dynamo overhaul
• A selection of photographs
• Expired MoTs and tax discs
• DVLA numberplate authorisation certificate
• Copy AJS instruction book
• Current V5C
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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Saleroom notices

The Engine Number is: 38/26SS 6448 A

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact client services.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import License or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such License or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancelation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Buyers' Premium and Charges
Like the vast majority of auctioneers Bonhams charge a Buyer's Premium on the Hammer Price of each Lot purchased and this is subject to VAT. Some lots may also be subject to VAT on the Hammer Price and these lots will be clearly marked with a symbol (†, Ω, *) printed beside the lot number.
For Automobilia the Buyer's Premium is 28% on the first £40,000 of the hammer price; 27% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £40,001 up to and including £800,000; 21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £800,001 up to and including £4,500,000 and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,001.
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