Factory AJS comes up for sale

Words: Trials Guru & Ben Butterworth

Photos: Jack Butterworth

A unique opportunity has arisen to purchase a true ex-factory AJS from the late 1950s!

Jackson 1957 SSDT Kinlochrannoch — Gordon Jackson pilots TLP686 in the 1957 SSDT on ‘Kinloch Rannoch’

The machine once the issue of former British Expert and ACU Star rider, Gordon L. Jackson, registered in 1957 by Associated Motor Cycles as TLP686, a 347cc AJS 16C.

The machine was ridden by Jackson in the 1957 British Experts trial and Scottish Six Days. The vendor has written confirmation from Gordon personally of the machines authenticity.

Lancashire’s Ben Butterworth is handling the sale for a close family friend who has owned the AJS for many years.

Ben said: “I’ve been asked to help with the sale of the Ex-works trials AJS 350 which was Gordon Jackson’s machine, the owner is open to sensible offers and would consider a part exchange.

Loads of history, letters from Gordon himself stating it was his bike, it is road registered, has the correct engine and frame numbers. This was the bike which won The British Experts Trial 1957, he also rode the SSDT on this machine.

The bike runs and rides very well, I’ve been lucky enough to have a ride on it myself after my Grandad has worked on it for the last two weeks, making sure it runs and polished it up for sale.”

The AJS has been put up for sale as the current owner stated to Trials Guru that “I’m not getting any younger and will never use it so I’d like it to go to somebody who would appreciate it for what it is with the history.”

The ex-factory machine is expected to fetch a high price and it has generated significant interest by both private collectors and museums.

Trials Guru’s John Moffat a enthusiast of the marque added: “This is indeed a unique opportunity to own a piece of SSDT, AJS and British Trials history that doesn’t happen very often.”