My holy grail at least ...

[spud352]

Hi, I'm back after many years of being away and needing some expert advice.

Can someone tell me what sort of value the bike in the pic is worth please? It's 1932 1000cc model 33/2

Not in brilliant condition and clearly not all original but the engine is running and all documents present.

Thanks,

Spud.

[clive]

Really depends on how much you want it. A 1938 model x sold for 50000 at Bonham a year ago!

[Rob Harknett]

1932 33/2 model???
33/2 is the engine prefix for 1933 not 1932. Frame number will tell if its 1932 made in Wolverhampton with 1933 engine, or the number will tell if it's 1933 made in Plumstead London. So something odd with the claim its 1932 33/2 model. 1932 Wolverhampton AJS engine would not have 33/2 engine number prefix. A 1933 model 2 which the bike may prove to be, would not be as rare as 1932. In fact, no where can I find any literature or publication that confirms an AJS model 2 was made in 1932. 1932 being the model year AJS of Wolverhampton had only just started producing 1932 models prior to selling out to Matchless.

[spud352]

Sorry my bad typo, it's a 1933.

Frame no. 690
Engine no. 33/2 69787

I want it badly, firstly I'd love a bike from this era, secondly it was my Grandads in the 40's.

[Rob Harknett]

Well that clears that up. 1933 mod 2. The bike looks good and looks quite complete and original. Bikes like that are getting rare and hard to find. I would only do what is required to get it running. With that in mind. You will not have to spend £1,000's more on restoration and finding parts. Which could take years to find plus a great deal of time. This could quite easily add another £5K to the price you pay. If you really want the bike, go for it. You may even find its value will hold, perhaps rise more than the interest rate of money in your bank account. There is also the joy of ownership that you cannot put a price on.

[clive]

Point is he is trying to put a price on it!

[G15 Roy]

Dudley Sold something similar last year at the west Kent show for about 20K.

[spud352]

Point is he is trying to put a price on it!

Yes, ideas of values in a private sale please. 20k to 50k seems quite a window.

[clive]

Trouble is this is not a bike that sells very often, if you google it Bonhams list a 37 one sold in 2011 for £16600, Brooklands listed a 39 one for auction with an estimate of 19 to 23000 in 2014. Roy has told you about a private sale of one for £20000 last year. Really depends how much you want it and how full your pockets are. You could try googling the Matchless equivalent, the model X.

[G15 Roy]

Add the want value and pay what the curret owner is asking or your you will be sorry once sold to someone else.