Beschreibung:

In 1927 AJS' works 350cc racers appeared with a new overhead-camshaft engine. The camshaft was chain driven, its distinctive cast alloy case extending forwards to the front-mounted magneto. A catalogued model from 1928, the 'cammy' AJS was built in 350 and 500cc capacities initially, dry-sump lubrication being an unusual feature of the engines, which were carried in open diamond frames. Along with the rest of the range the camshaft models received saddle tanks with purple side panels for 1929. A 250cc version followed, Jimmy Guthrie winning the Lightweight TT on one in 1930. Following the Matchless take-over of 1931, AJS production was relocated to Plumstead where the existing range continued largely unaltered. Indeed, the two marques would retain largely separate identities until the outbreak of war. In 1933 a pair of new overhead-camshaft AJS sports models was introduced, replacing those carried over from before the take-over. Designated Models 7 (350cc) and 10 (500cc), the newcomers kept the chain-driven cam of their predecessors but otherwise were entirely new. The magneto was moved behind the cylinder and dry-sump lubrication used for the new engines, which drove via a four-speed, foot-change gearbox fitted with a positive-stop, foot-change mechanism, an innovation pioneered by Velocette. Stripped-down, racing versions were available in addition to an off-road competition Trophy model, so-named in recognition of George Rowley's success in the ISDT. Production of the 'cammy' Model 7 carried on into 1939 but the 10 was not listed after 1936, making it one of the rarer and more desirable of post-Vintage sporting thoroughbreds. Presented in wonderful 'barn find' condition, this example of the rare AJS Model 10 overhead-cam 500 was purchased by its late owner in December 1956 and used whenever his Vincent Black Knight (Lot 285) was off the road. Offered for restoration and sold strictly as viewed, the machine comes with old-style logbook (issued 1946) and old/current Swansea V5/V5C documents.