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£3,000 - £3,500
1958 AJS Model 18, 498cc. Registration number VOP 592. Frame number unclear. Engine number 57/18 131258.
Sold with the V5C.
British motorcycle factories almost tumbled over themselves in the post- war rush to produce a range of acceptable twins, a result of the worldwide demand created by Triumph’s Speed Twin in 1937/38. Associated Motorcycles (AMC), trading as AJS and Matchless, launched virtually identical 500cc twins in 1949. Perhaps not as visually exciting as those ex Norton, Triumph, or BSA – who also offered a 650 – the AMC examples ultimately commanded as much respect as any of their rivals, and were almost certainly better finished.
The G9 actually continued in the range until 1961, having formed the basis of AMCs attractive but delicate G45 racer, launched in 1953, the 600cc G11 of 1956, and the 650cc G12 that was announced in 1959. The appeal of the London-built twins is clearly enhanced by fact that the crankshaft spins on an additional, centrally mounted, main bearing, so typical of AMC’s cautious design philosophy.
Fees apply to the hammer price:
Room and Absentee Bids:
15% inc VAT*
Online and Autobids:
18.6% inc VAT*
