1934 rare British vintage motorcycle – AJW Flying Fox with Rudge Python engine.
- Located in UK
- UK registration
- Regularly used
“Rare’ is perhaps an over-used word when referring to vintage motorcycles. However, in the case of this AJW Flying Fox, rare is a word that seems inadequate.
It’s recorded that only three AJW Flying Foxes, and two Red Foxes, survive from the 134 AJW machines built in 1934.
One was known to have been rebuilt in Finland. We are not sure of the whereabouts of the other machine. This particular motorcycle has been in the same current ownership since 2007. So, if you would like to add a rare, running, and pretty British motorcycle to your collection, then here’s your chance.
A little about AJW Motorcycles.
Albert John (Jack) Wheaton, started the company in 1926. He began by producing big V-twins to rival the Brough Superior marque. Perhaps that’s where the similar “torpedo shaped” fuel tank came from? Much like many other vintage motorcycle manufacturers in the early 1930s, they had turned to sports singles, powered by Rudge Python and latterly J A Prestwich (JAP) engines. They also made utility Villers lightweights.
After WWII, a new AJW company emerged and was owned by Jack Ball. He also turned to JAP before frustrations with engine supply caused the firm to fit imported Italian lightweight power units.
John Wheaton said that by the end of 1930 his Villers-powered two-strokes were selling quite well. However, it was becoming obvious that they were not going to sell in the quantities he had hoped. The big twins were still selling steadily, but John knew he would have to do more. So he returned to designing a 500cc machine.
Coincidentally, Rudge-Whitworth had decided to offer their very successful engines as proprietary motors under the name ‘The Python’. In 1930, Rudge had made a clean sweep of the IOM Junior TT, along with 1st and 2nd places in that year’s Senior TT race. HeJohn Wheaton decided to build his frame around the Rudge Python 500cc engine. The AJW Silver Fox has a torpedo-shaped fuel tank and full duplex tubular loop frame. The Rudge Python engine had twin-port heads and double exhaust pipes down each side.
The first A.J.W. Flying Foxes, with either a 350cc or a 500cc engine, were announced at the Olympia Motor Cycle Show in October 1930.
The 1930 December issue of The MOTOR CYCLE stated.
“Something different can usually be expected from the A.J.W. Motor Company. For 1931 it takes the form of two extremely compact Python engined machines, one a radial valve 350cc and the other a 499cc model.”
About this AJW Flying Fox, with a Rudge Python engine
As already stated in the history of AJW, this AJW Flying Fox, fitted with a Rudge Python engine, is a rarity. It is also a beautifully presented, running, machine. It is used regularly and has been in the same ownership since 2007.
It is fitted with the 500cc Rudge engine and comes with a large file of papers, including British Registration papers (V5c).
Shipping and transportation: Can be arranged.
Viewing
By arrangement, through TheTimingChest. Contact us here.
Other motorcycles for sale: TheTimingChest is currently offering a few interesting motorcycles. Our main interest is in pre-war, vintage and veteran motorcycles. Please see the current selection here.
If you are interested in the AJW motorcycles, please visit a site dedicated to these rare British motorcycles.
