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General => Off Topic => Topic started by: froudy on Sunday, 28 April 2019, 06:44 PM

Title: Old AJS
Post by: froudy on Sunday, 28 April 2019, 06:44 PM
A guy I work with sent me these photo's yesterday. The bike was left to him by his Father in Law when he passed away. It's been sitting in a garage for 20 years now, but looks in good condition as far as I can see from the photo's.

He's basically asked me what I think it's worth as he wants to get rid of it as he has no interest in motorcycles (heathen!!) I haven't got a clue, so I said I'd make some enquiries for him.

Anyone got any ideas at all?
Thanks.
Title: Re: Old AJS
Post by: Mick_J on Sunday, 28 April 2019, 07:14 PM
I would say he needs a professional to have a look at it, at over 60 years old and in what looks like original condition it couldl be worth close to a five figure sum.  First thing to do would be to find out exactly what model and year it is, then he can ring up some classic bike dealers to get an idea of price.
Title: Re: Old AJS
Post by: seth on Sunday, 28 April 2019, 07:18 PM
I'd agree it needs an eye of someone who knows all about older bikes .
It's in really good condition from the pictures so with a good service it might just be ok but you never know if these aren't your thing
:onya:
Title: Re: Old AJS
Post by: Hooli on Sunday, 28 April 2019, 08:10 PM
That looks lovely. I'd find out the model by comparing pics to adverts etc to get a rough idea of price. Plus contact the owners club, they'll probably be quite helpful as it involves saving one of 'their' bikes.
Title: Re: Old AJS
Post by: Irish in Oz on Sunday, 28 April 2019, 08:51 PM
I reckon thats a 1940 to 45 model because of the stuff on the tank.
Title: Re: Old AJS
Post by: T250 on Sunday, 28 April 2019, 08:54 PM
I think this may be around 1936-1938...

https://www.flickr.com/photos/76716069@N03/galleries/72157688947023070/
Title: Re: Old AJS
Post by: Andre on Sunday, 28 April 2019, 09:04 PM
https://cybermotorcycle.com/gallery/ajs-1936/AJS-1936-Model-26.htm (https://cybermotorcycle.com/gallery/ajs-1936/AJS-1936-Model-26.htm)

https://cybermotorcycle.com/gallery/ajs-1936/AJS-1936-Model-26-advert.htm (https://cybermotorcycle.com/gallery/ajs-1936/AJS-1936-Model-26-advert.htm)
Title: Re: Old AJS
Post by: Cykik on Monday, 29 April 2019, 06:13 AM
Owners club or VMCC might be of help.
Title: Re: Old AJS
Post by: gsxbarmy on Monday, 29 April 2019, 07:46 AM
Or the National Motorcycle Museum might be able to value it possibly
Title: Re: Old AJS
Post by: VladTepes on Monday, 29 April 2019, 10:31 AM
It's worth GBP1.00 plus the cost of freight to Australia. :)

Where do I sign?
Title: Re: Old AJS
Post by: froudy on Monday, 29 April 2019, 06:02 PM
Thanks for all the replies guys...
It definitely looks like a 1936 model. I'll relay all the info to my mate.

I'll be interested myself to see what this is worth!!
Title: Re: Old AJS
Post by: grog on Monday, 29 April 2019, 07:11 PM
Beautiful bike. Wish it was here.
Title: Re: Old AJS
Post by: MarkN on Friday, 10 May 2019, 07:46 AM
I've just found a 1920s AJS with sidecar for sale on Car & Classic website for 15000 quid so can only echo what has been said re professional opinion. Good luck to your mate
Title: Re: Old AJS
Post by: Mister Fishfinger on Friday, 10 May 2019, 08:02 PM
I'm in a classic bike group on Facebook. More of a Japanese bike person myself, but there are plenty of old boys on there who really know their old Brit machines.

I would be happy to post the pics on that page for you if you want. I am sure someone will identify it and give you a rough idea of value.

Edit: by the way I reckon it's a late 1930s 'twin port' and if I had to guess a value, somewhere around £10K.
Title: Re: Old AJS
Post by: GSXKING on Friday, 10 May 2019, 10:36 PM
The father in law will be rolling in his grave.  :facepalm:

Left a great gift and the guy has no interest in it and wants to cash in.  :jack:
Title: Re: Old AJS
Post by: Hooli on Saturday, 11 May 2019, 02:39 AM
Quote from: GSXKING on Friday, 10 May  2019, 10:36 PM
The father in law will be rolling in his grave.  :facepalm:

Left a great gift and the guy has no interest in it and wants to cash in.  :jack:

I'd say better it's sold to someone who'll enjoy it than sat rotting & wasted in a shed.
Title: Re: Old AJS
Post by: froudy on Saturday, 11 May 2019, 06:03 PM
I actually got an update last night about this bike...
I think the owner has been in touch with the National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham..

Quote.... "I've just found out there were only ever 7 of these bikes made and only 3 are known to exist"

I don't know any more details yet, but I would guess that this has increased the value by a considerable amount!!

@Mister Fishfinger  Please feel free to post the photos  :onya:
Title: Re: Old AJS
Post by: grog on Saturday, 11 May 2019, 06:28 PM
Reckon your right froudy. Sounds very rare. When i was a kid, we had a Harley, turned out only 3 in sthn hemisphere. one burnt out. one in sth africa, guess who had the other. priceless almost today. One at Bonhams not like ours. it had reverse gear and sidecar fitted at factory. UL a few around, ours was ULA. https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/15379/lot/43/?category=list
Title: Re: Old AJS
Post by: grog on Saturday, 11 May 2019, 06:56 PM
I found a piccy of my old Harley. 50 yrs ago, even i cant believe how long. I was 14, used to take it just up the street and back. I built the motor up from a pile of bits in sidecar.
Title: Re: Old AJS
Post by: Mister Fishfinger on Monday, 13 May 2019, 09:38 PM
Quote from: froudy on Saturday, 11 May  2019, 06:03 PM
I actually got an update last night about this bike...
I think the owner has been in touch with the National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham..

Quote.... "I've just found out there were only ever 7 of these bikes made and only 3 are known to exist"

I don't know any more details yet, but I would guess that this has increased the value by a considerable amount!!

@Mister Fishfinger  Please feel free to post the photos  :onya:

I posted the pics and got a variety of responses. As usual on bike forums, there was a range of replies. Here's a summary:

- It's registered as a 250.
- The full engine number gives the year of manufacture and the model number on all AJS models from the early 30s onwards. Should be easy to find that.
- Maybe a model S12, or a 36/22. Don't ask me what they are, I'm just passing it on.
- Definitely 1930s, most people saying mid 30s (possibly 1936).
- Definitely a twin port model.

It won't be any later than 1939 because all the factories switched to military production to support the war effort.

I agree with the sentiment that the AJS owners' club is the place to go next. Alternatively if the new owner doesn't care about bikes just put it through a reputable auction house like Bonhams. They have in-house experts who will do all the research and catalogue it correctly.
Title: Re: Old AJS
Post by: froudy on Wednesday, 15 May 2019, 06:23 PM
Thanks @Mister Fishfinger

I've forwarded your info to the owner :onya:
Title: Re: Old AJS
Post by: froudy on Friday, 23 October 2020, 01:45 PM
A quick update on the bike..
Its off to auction soon. I'll update after the sale with how much it went for.
Title: Re: Old AJS
Post by: Mrg on Friday, 23 October 2020, 06:10 PM
That's a gorgeous looking bike froudy I hope the sale goes well I am sure it will good luck  :onya:
Title: Re: Old AJS
Post by: Hooli on Friday, 23 October 2020, 06:34 PM
It is a lovely old thing indeed.
Title: Re: Old AJS
Post by: Globalrider on Sunday, 01 November 2020, 02:08 AM
I've still got some room in my shed!