Lot details Registration No: VKT 139 Frame No: C/6384 Engine No: 56/IGH/1797 cc: 350 MOT Expiry Date: None
From the earliest days competitive events featured heavily in the story of AJS Motorcycles. The Stevens family themselves competed on their own machinery and by 1915 AJS completely dominated the new Junior TT class, thus establishing a sporting image and driving sales of road machines to levels that necessitated a new factory to be built in Wolverhampton. Continuing success throughout the next decade didn't help AJS avoid the depression, financial problems resulting from which saw the company being acquired by the Collier brother's Matchless concern and production moved to Plumstead in the early 30's. The two marques continued to be produced as separate model ranges, although the machines were similar apart from slight design details, and were marketed as such until the demise of Matchless and the rest of the AMC group in the mid-sixties. The AJS brand has stuttered along attached to a number of more esoteric projects and after a number of false stops may well yet appear once more on a desirable motorcycle.
VKT 139 is a Trials AJS Model 16 MC of 1956 model year bought by the vendor in 1996.There is anecdotal evidence from the previous owner that the bike was fitted with a prototype springer rear end, although the works were offering a similar standard conversion to the rigid frame from 1951, so this may not be the case, and it is believed that the engine was at some time overhauled by specialist Ken de Groom. There is a photograph of a machine with this registration number being ridden by Tom Arter in the 1955 Mitcham Vase event. An alloy fuel tank was fitted to preserve the original and is with the machine, which looks correct in other details and is eminently suitable for pre-65 events after a re-commission. A V5 document, buff log book and some expired MOT certificates are available.
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