AJS Motorcycles R8 And Zeppelin Style Sidecar
Originally built as a 350 (latterly known as the ‘Big Port’) the overhead valve AJS became available as a 500 for the first time in 1926.
Known as the Model 8 it followed the general lines of the 350, albeit with an inclined cylinder, and distinguished itself in the 1926 Isle of Man Senior TT when works rider Jimmy Simpson became the first man to lap at over 70 mph.
Progressively revised and updated, the Model 8 continued in production essentially unchanged after the Matchless takeover in 1931. It was not replaced until 1936 when an entirely new version with a vertical engine was announced.
This rare matching numbers R 8 complete with AJS’s own Zeppelin type sports sidecar received a GOLD Award at the 2007 VMCC Banbury Run (no. 390).
An older restoration, the machine has benefited from a recent cylinder head overhaul (new valves, guides and seats), refurbished carburettor and a reconditioned gearbox.