1949 AJS 7R 350cc Racing Motorcycle
Frame no. 182
Engine no. 49/7R 592
Built from 1948 to 1963, Associated Motor Cycles' AJS 7R - known as the 'Boy Racer' - was one of the most successful over-the-counter racing motorcycles of all time. Almost all of Britain's road-race stars of the 1950s and 1960s rode a 7R at some stage of their careers and the model remains a major force in classic racing today, being highly sought after by competitors and collectors alike.
Although a new design by Phil Walker, the 7R, with its chain-driven overhead-camshaft, was very reminiscent of the AJS 'cammy' singles of pre-war days. Despite the fact that the 7R was not, initially, as powerful as its main rivals - the Velocette KTT and Junior Manx Norton its robust and simple construction endeared the model to the privateer responsible for his own maintenance. While the duplex loop frame and Teledraulic front fork remained essentially unchanged throughout production, the engine underwent almost continuous revision: the valve angle being progressively narrowed, the crankshaft made stronger and, in 1956, engine dimensions changed from the original long-stroke 74x81mm bore/stroke to the 'squarer' 75.5x78mm, permitting higher revs. AMC's own gearbox replaced the previous Burman in 1958 while engine development continued almost to the end of production, by which time the 7R was putting out around 41bhp.
This smartly turned out example was fully restored between 1991 and 1995, then paraded and displayed at VMCC and other events up to 2000. Since 2000 the machine has been carefully stored and maintained while on display at the M&C Motorcycle Collection in Bakewell, Derbyshire. Described by the private vendor as in generally excellent condition, it will nevertheless require re-commissioning and the customary safety checks before further use. Offered with restorer's notebook.
Sold for
£25,300
inc. premium
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