c.1959 AJS 7R 350cc Racing Motorcycle
Frame no. 1696
Engine no. 1696

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 particular 7R was purchased by the lady vendor's late husband approximately 10 years ago from well-known specialist George Beale. Already restored, the machine was delivered to the vendor and stored inside the house until it was removed for transportation to Bonhams for catalogue photographs to be taken. The engine has never been started during the present ownership and the bike will require basic safety checks and light re-commissioning prior to use with its new owner.