c.1928 AJS 346cc R7/K6 Special
Registration no. BF 4212
Frame no. K101340
Engine no. 145240 R

This interesting Vintage-era 'special was purchased by the vendor at the Banbury Run autojumble in 2005. Ridden around the field at time of acquisition, it has not been started since and is now offered for sale as space and funds are required for other projects. It was formerly owned and raced for many years by Phil Swindlehurst, a founder member of the VMCC, including in one of the Silverstone Vintage races of the early 1950s. It was also extensively sprinted. In a letter to 'Old Bike' magazine (Autumn 1995 edition, copy on file) Phil Swindlehurst wrote: 'I've ridden my R7 in vintage races through the 1950s, used it for high speed touring on those lovely Peak District straight roads and currently sprint it at Curborough and Lyme Park. A superb bike – with a narrow sprint tank fitted it's the nearest to a flying broomstick you'll ever find.'

The overhead-camshaft engine is from a 1930 R7 while the frame dates from 1928 and is probably from a 350cc overhead-valve K6. Taken from AJS's overhead-camshaft models, the oil tank is 1931-32 and the rear hub and brake drum are 1930-32. The carburettor (recently overhauled by Jim Deveraux) is a downdraft Binks as fitted to AJS 'cammy' models during 1931-32. The gearbox is the rare two-stud Sturmey Archer as fitted by AJS in 1930-32. Lower rear frame stays are fitted, probably genuine AJS, while the front forks and wheel are Velocette. The vendor has not looked inside the engine or gearbox, while the magneto, which was overhauled by Tony Stairs some years ago, is only loosely assembled onto the bike. Accompanying documentation consists of the aforementioned (copy) letter, VMCC dating letter, numberplate authorisation certificate, various photocopies, old/current Swansea V5Cs and a letter from AJS marque specialist Ray Carter.