1952 AJS 498cc Model 20 Springtwin Cutaway Model, Registration no. not registered Frame no. to be advised Engine no. R9/4

Important Pioneer, Vintage, Classic & Collectors' Motorcycles and related Spares and Memorabilia
1952 AJS 498cc Model 20 Springtwin Cutaway Model
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. to be advised
Engine no. R9/4
• Displayed on the AJS stand at the 1952 Earls Court Motorcycle Show
• Specially built from new as a display-only item
• Complete with bespoke motorised display box

The last of the major British motorcycle manufacturers to offer a parallel twin, Associated Motor Cycles did not announce its own 'Springtwin' until the Earls Court Motorcycle Show of 1948, and even then production was for export only. Typed Model 20 (AJS) and G9 (Matchless), the two newcomers followed the established pattern of British parallel twins but were unusual in having an engine with a third, central, crankshaft main bearing. The new 498cc power unit was housed in the swinging-arm frame recently introduced on AMC's heavyweight singles, and for once there was a fair amount of variation between the two marques, which featured their own individual tanks, seats, and exhaust pipes in addition to the customary badge and colour scheme differences. The Model 20 and G9 remained in production until mid-1961.

This sectioned AJS Springtwin was built in 1952 specifically for display purposes (it was not a converted roadster) and has never been road registered. Every component is as fitted in period, even down to the tyres. Mounted on a bespoke display box, incorporating electric motors to turn both wheels via rollers, this Springtwin was displayed on the AJS stand at the Earls Court Motorcycle Show in November 1952, while a customs stamp on the door to the box dates from the time it was taken to the Paris Motor Show. A metal plaque on the box bears the legend: 'Sectioning & Construction by Prototypes (Croydon) Ltd', a firm located not far from the AMC factory at Woolwich. At some time the display box had been over-painted white, but was originally varnished like it is now, as was discovered when the vendor removed the maker's plate

The sectioned AJS was pictured in Motor Cycling magazine's second show edition of November 20th 1952 (page 74) and is also featured in Roy Bacon's book, 'AJS & Matchless Postwar Twins, 1948-1969' (page 9). As the Springtwin evolved, this display machine was updated accordingly, hence the full-width front hub and black/chrome fuel tank. It has 'covered' just over 200 miles on the stand, which has been returned to working order.

The sectioned Springtwin was previously owned by Shaun Wright, who first acquired the bike and then found the stand after some six months of searching, reuniting them after several decades apart. While in his possession, the machine featured in the AJS & Matchless Owners' Club's Jampot magazine. A copy of the latter is included in the sale together with the aforementioned copy of Motor Cycling and the Roy Bacon book. A wonderful opportunity to acquire a unique piece of AJS history and the perfect centrepiece to any marque-related display.