LOT 47

1951/1955 AJS/Matchless 348cc G3L/S Registration no. LUF 212 Frame no. 75319 Engine no. 55/G3LS 29750 (see text)

Sold for £3,450 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 47

1951/1955 AJS/Matchless 348cc G3L/S

Motorcycles Online - The Summer Sale|15 June 2026, 12:46 BST|Online, Milton Keynes

1951/1955 AJS/Matchless 348cc G3L/S
Registration no. LUF 212
Frame no. 75319
Engine no. 55/G3LS 29750 (see text)

Using models based on the wartime Matchless G3 military machine, Associated Motor Cycles dominated the UK trials scene in the years immediately after WW2. Stars such as Hugh Viney and Gordon Jackson riding for AJS, and Artie Ratcliffe and Ted Usher for Matchless won countless national events while clubmen everywhere favoured the Plumstead marques' products more than those of any of their rivals. Important steps in the evolution of AMC's trials models included revised steering geometry, an alloy cylinder barrel and 'head, and a lightweight all-welded frame. Introduced for the 1954 season, the latter remained rigid at the rear despite evidence that a 'springer' worked better. In the event, AMC's first attempt at a sprung frame was not an unqualified success, but the much-revised chassis of 1958 worked much better and was further improved by a switch to shorter rear dampers in 1961. And although a 500cc model was offered until the early 1950s, the works boys always favoured the milder and more easily managed 350, as did the vast majority of customers.

This G3L/S was purchased by the private vendor when he was 16/17 years old; converted for trials use, the machine has been in his ownership for over 40 years. Notable features include a lightweight front hub; accessory air filter; and alloy wheel rims. It should be noted that the accompanying V5C document lists the machine as a 1951 AJS of 500c capacity, with '350' engine number '52/16M 15098'. The current engine, '55/G3LS 29750', started life in a sister-model Matchless.
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 Summer 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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