1951 AJS 7R Works

Lot details
Registration No: N/A
Frame No: N/A
Engine No: 51/7R/895
cc: 348
MOT Expiry Date: None

Known affectionately as the 'Boy Racer' the A.J.S. 7R was based on the pre War 'cammy' design and it was to remain in production from 1949 through until 1962 and most of the stars of that era cut their teeth on a 7R.
One such was Bob McIntyre, who originally constructed this actual machine. During the early 1950's he was sponsored by Cooper Brothers of Troon where he was employed as a mechanic until his brief and unhappy spell on 'works' A.J.S. machinery in 1954 from where he would return to his native Scotland riding under Joe Potts's sponsorship.
Bob McIntyre constructed this machine using factory 'works' parts during 1951. It features an oval tube frame, which is slimmer than the standard production item, and the engine is mounted further forward. The front engine mounting bolts fit directly through the front oval down tubes, making it necessary to have a non standard exhaust pipe fitted, and, as with all racing machines, modifications were carried out as improvements became available and the rear of the frame has been modified to accept a 'works' seat of 1953-54 pattern featuring the zip pocket which carries two spare sparking plugs. The front forks are of 1953 'works' type, as are the front twin leading shoe brakes and rear single leading shoe type. The fuel tank is a short circuit bolt through type with a recess for a chin pad and the carburation is taken care of by a 1 5/32" GP AMAL with the gearbox being a Burman four speed racing example with a dry clutch and it is mounted to the engine and frame with alloy plates.
Continuous Scottish ownership and history have brought the vendor into contact with a number of former keepers, throughout his thirty plus years of ownership; one being Mr. W. 'Bill' Rae who raced this machine during 1958 and 1959 and finishing 35th in the 1959 Manx Grand Prix where he was timed in practice at 121mph on the mountain. He also had success at Oulton Park, Aintree, Thruxton and Silverstone and won numerous hill climbs with the machine.
There are few occasions when genuine 'works' racing motor cycles are offered at auction with a continuous history from new and having been ridden by one of the all time greats of motor cycle racing. This is a rare opportunity not to be missed.