The Vintage Motorcycles
Specialists in antique, classic, veteran and vintage motorcycles.
Specialists in antique, classic, veteran and vintage motorcycles.
Commanding, refined, and exceptionally rare, the 1939 AJS Model 39/2 1000cc stands among the most powerful and prestigious pre-war British motorcycles of its era. Representing the pinnacle of AJS engineering before the outbreak of World War II, this large-capacity V-twin embodies strength, presence, and mechanical sophistication in equal measure.
At its heart lies a formidable 1000cc side-valve twin-cylinder engine, engineered to deliver strong, effortless torque and smooth power delivery. Designed for long-distance touring and confident road performance, the Model 39/2 offers a riding experience defined by stability, authority, and mechanical refinement.
Visually, the motorcycle exudes a powerful yet elegant character, with balanced proportions, substantial frame construction, and period-correct detailing that reflects the maturity of late pre-war design. The twin-cylinder configuration adds both visual depth and engineering significance, distinguishing it from smaller-capacity contemporaries.
This 1939 model is a rare example of AJS vintage motorcycles and has been fully restored to an exceptional collector standard, with meticulous attention paid to originality, finish quality, and mechanical precision. Every element has been carefully addressed to ensure the motorcycle not only presents to concours level but also reflects the authenticity and craftsmanship of its time.
As one of the last generation of pre-war large-capacity AJS motorcycles, the Model 39/2 holds a unique position in collector circles - valued for its rarity, performance capability, and status as a flagship model within the AJS lineup.
The AJS Model 39/2 was introduced in the late 1930s, during a period when British motorcycle manufacturers were pushing the boundaries of performance and engineering sophistication. As part of AJS's premium range, the model was designed to meet the demands of experienced riders seeking greater power, comfort, and long-distance capability.
Large-capacity V-twin motorcycles such as the 39/2 represented the upper tier of pre-war production, combining advanced engineering with practical touring performance. Their smooth power delivery and robust construction made them particularly suited to extended journeys, both within Britain and across continental Europe.
However, production of motorcycles like the Model 39/2 was abruptly curtailed by the onset of World War II, making surviving examples especially scarce. Many machines were lost, repurposed, or failed to survive the disruptions of the wartime period.
As a result, well-preserved or correctly restored examples of the 39/2 are now highly sought after among collectors of pre-war British motorcycles. Their rarity is further enhanced by their position as one of the final developments before a major turning point in global history.
Today, the AJS Model 39/2 stands as a testament to the peak of pre-war motorcycle engineering - an era defined by innovation, ambition, and craftsmanship. It remains a significant and desirable machine, offering collectors a rare opportunity to own a flagship model from one of Britain's most respected manufacturers.
The Vintage Motorcycles presents a curated selection of historically significant British vintage motorcycles, representing one of the most influential engineering traditions in European motorcycling history. From early single-cylinder machines developed during the formative years of industrial mobility to highly refined pre-war and post-war performance motorcycles, British manufacturers played a defining role in shaping both road and racing motorcycle development.
This collection includes machines from landmark marques such as AJS, Triumph, Vincent, Sunbeam, Matchless, BSA, Norton, Douglas, Royal Enfield , and other historically important British motorcycle manufacturers, each contributing to advancements in engine architecture, chassis design, and competitive performance engineering. These motorcycles are best understood within the broader framework of pre-war motorcycle engineering (1900-1939), as well as the subsequent evolution seen in post-war motorcycle development, where British engineering became closely associated with racing success and mechanical refinement.
Each motorcycle within our collection is sourced based on historical provenance, structural originality, and mechanical integrity, ensuring alignment with museum-grade preservation standards. For collectors seeking acquisition opportunities, available machines can be explored through our global vintage motorcycle inventory, supported by a fully insured international shipping service.
British motorcycle engineering is defined by its strong association with performance development, mechanical durability, and competition-driven innovation. Manufacturers such as AJS contributed significantly to the advancement of single-cylinder performance engines, overhead valve configurations, and racing-oriented chassis design, particularly during the interwar and post-war periods.
From early road-going machines to competition-proven racing motorcycles, British engineering reflects a continuous evolution shaped by endurance racing, circuit competition, and the pursuit of mechanical efficiency. This legacy positions British motorcycles as a central reference point within the broader study of global motorcycle engineering history.
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