Bonhams Summer Stafford Sale
Amongst many unusual bike gems up for grabs, is that rare beast, a 1940s racing AJS 'Porcupine'
John Newman
It's really great to see the
International Classic MotorCycle Show returning after its lockdown absence, and it has over 650 lots this summer, so there's something for everyone, although you might have to dig deep into your pocket to buy one!
The show is offering a large selection of collectors' motorbikes, prototype early bicycles if that's your bag and a multitude of spares and motorcycle memorabilia. It's running over three days from the 2nd to the 4th of July this year.
One of the stars of the show is the aforementioned Grand Prix Racing AJS 497cc E90 'Porcupine' which used to belong to Ted Frend, post war AJS works rider. It is up for sale for the first time and is looking likely to fetch an estimated £250,000-300,00 on July 2nd.
It was the first motorcycle to win the AJS's first and only 500cc World Championship in 1949, ridden by Frend's friend, Les Graham. It's moniker the 'Porcupine' came from the motorcycle press of the day and arose due to its spikey head finning. There were only a handful of these illustrious motorcycles built, just for the works team, and Ted Frend was signed up to ride one by AJS in 1947 after a 4th place finish in the Isle of Man TT. He was the first rider to win at the Hutchinson 100 that same year, aboard the AJS Porcupine.
The bike went on to collect 18 world speed records and many podiums and its development continued over the years after 1947, but was beset by carburettor and magneto problems. These issues with the E90 engine even caused Frend to have to retire from the 1949 Isle of Man Senior TT, despite the fact that he was leading and was only two minutes from the finish – how frustrating!
In 1952 the E95 arrived, still affectionately know as the 'Porcupine', this time with a new frame and an improved engine. It hit the ground running with a one-two finish in the Swiss Grand Prix.
However despite its early promise only four complete E90 and four E95s were made and this particular one was found in bits in the estate of Ted Frend and was rebuilt by his friend Ken Senior, with any missing parts custom made for the bike.
The Porcupine is the star of the Ken Senior Collection of over 90 motorcycles up for grabs on July the 2nd at the Bonhams Summer Stafford Sale.
For a bit of pre show window shopping to see all that's on offer, check out
the Bonhams website to preview the lots.
The show is as follows:
Friday July 2nd The Ken Senior and other one owner collections
Saturday July 3rd Bicycles, Spares and Motorcycle-related Memorabilia
Sunday July 4th Collectors' Motorcycles
Viewing 09:00 – 1700 Friday through Sunday
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