Lot 194: 1955 AJS 498cc Model 20

The last of the major British motorcycle manufacturers to offer a parallel twin, Associated Motor Cycles did not announce its own 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. This AJS Model 20 is offered for restoration.