SELLER SAYS: This superb outfit is offered for a reluctant, age-related, sale. The sidecar is an Adelaide-manufactured Tilbrook number 44. It was factory fitted to a 1951 AJS / Matchless 500 cc single in 1951. I have not restored this unit. What you see in the photos is basically how it looked when I received it. I have maintained and repaired this unit with highest quality parts available. You won’t be disappointed. Contact Ron by email at ron.pollock@hotmail.com (Hamilton, Victoria, Australia).
EDITOR TERLICK SAYS: What a classy piece of kit. This would have been top shelf stuff in 1951, at which stage AJS had recently added rear-suspension to its much loved Model 18 to create the 18S, and Australian motorcycle identity Rex Tilbrook was flat out manufacturing accessories, sidecars and complete motorcycles from his factory in Adelaide. The early ’50s were arguably the glory days for big British singles, with the AJS Model 18 and its twin sister Matchless G80 at the top of the pile — simple, reliable and well-made bikes, built for daily use, long life and DIY maintenance. They were also designed with an eye on sidecar attachments, many units being a family’s one and only means of transport. And while Rex Tilbrook’s accessories and motorcycles were highly regarded, it was his sidecars that underpinned his business and ensured his name would still be often used among vintage motorcycle people 70-odd years later. Tilbrook designed and manufactured his sidecars from the ground-up, and they were considered among the best that money could buy, anywhere in the world. Little wonder they are still highly sought after today. Learn more about the AJS 18S here, read about the extraordinary man behind Tilbrook sidecars here, and see a walk-around video of Ron’s wonderful outfit here.
