Sometimes Iconic receives such a unique motorcycle that it’s best to let the seller and builder of the bike tell it’s story. We’ll let him take it away, “The late John Surtees is the only person to have won world championships on both 2 and four wheels. In 1959 he was on top of the world having won both the 350 and 500 world championships while riding for MV Agusta. That year he commissioned 2 special frames from legendary Reynolds frame man Ken Sprayson, to be campaigned at British short course racing between World Championship rounds.
The two bikes were finished and tested, but never raced by Surtees, as MV boss Count Agusta caught wind of the machines and forbade Surtees from running them. This rift caused Surtees to leave MV Agusta and world championship motorcycle racing in favor of joining the fray in Formula 1.
The bikes were sold on- one made it’s way into the hands of Tom Arter who used it as the base for many “Specials” under the Arter Equippe banner with riders like Peter Williams, Mike Duff and ??? with tremendous results. The other frame disappeared until Team Obsolete located it some (8???) years ago.
It was decided to do a full restoration bringing the machine to the same winning specification as the first. However, in order to avoid any historical confusion, this machine is the second complete bike (Surtees Special #2,) based on one of three AJS frames that John commissioned. The first frame (Surtees #1) was built into the bike that went from Surtees to Rex Butcher, then to Arter Equippe, and then to Team Obsolete, (see photo.) The second bike has a “works” motor, PGT gearbox, and Manx forks. The motor is #AB3 (Arter Brothers.) It has beveled flywheels, special oil extractors, and an enlarged intake port. John also built a somewhat modernized third version that now resides at the Barber Museum.
Once these bikes passed on from John’s control, into Arter Equippe, motors, frames, and other components were swapped around for convenience. One of the bikes utilized a leading link fork for some time. Another Surtees Special had a Norton Manx motor. This went to Stan Hailwood. We make no specific claims for the history of Surtees #2. It is unlikely that the precise story of these fabulous bikes will ever be told. Such is racing.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Steve Tonkin and Sid Ormrod for the excellent and detail oriented work they performed on this restoration. It was an absolute pleasure to deal with them. Additionally, John Cronshaw’s skilled engine assembly work speaks for itself.”
This example is VIN: JS2AB2. The seller has decided to sell because, “We also own the first Surtees bike as well as the entire Arter Equippe racing stable and campaign them regularly. It would be great to see this go to a knowledgeable collector or someone who will bring it out to the track. Preferably both!”
[PLACEHOLDER: PHOTO OF VIN]
There is no odometer, true mileage unknown.
Maintenance:
Per the seller, “The bike is basically brand new. Rebuilt from the ground out with painstaking attention to detail using original parts.”
Modifications:
“Every part on this bike has been configured to the highest race specification.”
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Avon Roadrider tires.
The sale includes the rear stand.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Brooklyn, New York this AJS is offered on a Bill of Sale only. Have any Surtees Special stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
