AJS E95 Porcupine
Introduced in 1952, the AJS E95 Porcupine was the second major version of AJS’s post-war twin-cylinder Grand Prix racer. It followed the E90 that had carried Les Graham to the inaugural 500cc world championship in 1949. The E95 therefore belongs to the continuation of that works programme, rather than being the motorcycle that won the earlier title.
Introduced in 1952, the AJS E95 Porcupine was the second major version of AJS’s post-war twin-cylinder Grand Prix racer. It followed the E90 that had carried Les Graham to the inaugural 500cc world championship in 1949. The E95 therefore belongs to the continuation of that works programme, rather than being the motorcycle that won the earlier title.
Design and engineering
The most useful visual distinction is the engine angle. Where the E90’s cylinders were almost horizontal, the E95 raised them to approximately 45 degrees. Revised engine internals and a different chassis accompanied the change. Those alterations make the E95 a substantial development of the racing concept, not simply an E90 wearing a new designation. Later works development means individual E95s need not match every early specification.
Production and edition scope
The Bonhams historical account reports four E95 machines and, separately, four E90s. It also discusses spare engines. The four-bike E95 figure describes the reported original complete machines; it is not a count of every later reconstruction or every component set. Although the catalogue reports the survival of the E95s, original production and present-day survival are different questions and should be documented separately.
Identifying an authentic example
Begin with the particular motorcycle’s frame and engine records, then compare its present configuration with dated competition photographs. A fairing, fuel tank or engine component may reflect a later racing season or restoration. The profile’s 1952 heading identifies the introduction of the E95 design, not a claim that every photographed E95 is a 1952 machine. An image of a 1954 example must retain that later date in its caption.
Collector significance
The E95 is significant as a rare factory racing development in its own right. Its value as a historical object depends on how clearly the surviving motorcycle can be connected to the works programme and its subsequent changes. Keeping its story separate from the championship-winning E90 makes both machines easier to understand and avoids inflating the scope of either production tally.
Related motorcycles
- AJS E90 Porcupine
Sources
Why this machine matters
The E95 is significant as a rare factory racing development in its own right. Its value as a historical object depends on how clearly the surviving motorcycle can be connected to the works programme and its subsequent changes. Keeping its story separate from the championship-winning E90 makes both machines easier to understand and avoids inflating the scope of either production tally.
The story
Introduced in 1952, the AJS E95 Porcupine was the second major version of AJS’s post-war twin-cylinder Grand Prix racer. It followed the E90 that had carried Les Graham to the inaugural 500cc world championship in 1949. The E95 therefore belongs to the continuation of that works programme, rather than being the motorcycle that won the earlier title.
Built in limited numbers
The Bonhams historical account reports four E95 machines and, separately, four E90s. It also discusses spare engines. The four-bike E95 figure describes the reported original complete machines; it is not a count of every later reconstruction or every component set. Although the catalogue reports the survival of the E95s, original production and present-day survival are different questions and should be documented separately.
On the road
The E95 is significant as a rare factory racing development in its own right. Its value as a historical object depends on how clearly the surviving motorcycle can be connected to the works programme and its subsequent changes. Keeping its story separate from the championship-winning E90 makes both machines easier to understand and avoids inflating the scope of either production tally.
Gallery
Specifications
Factory specifications may vary by model year, market and configuration.
Identity & production
- Official model
- AJS E95 Porcupine
- Base model
- E95
- Edition
- E95 Porcupine
Powertrain & performance
- Engine
- Parallel twin
- Powertrain
- Petrol
Motorcycle specifications
- Category
- Works racing motorcycle
Authenticity & identification
Begin with the particular motorcycle’s frame and engine records, then compare its present configuration with dated competition photographs. A fairing, fuel tank or engine component may reflect a later racing season or restoration. The profile’s 1952 heading identifies the introduction of the E95 design, not a claim that every photographed E95 is a 1952 machine. An image of a 1954 example must retain that later date in its caption.
Ownership considerations
Begin with the particular motorcycle’s frame and engine records, then compare its present configuration with dated competition photographs. A fairing, fuel tank or engine component may reflect a later racing season or restoration. The profile’s 1952 heading identifies the introduction of the E95 design, not a claim that every photographed E95 is a 1952 machine. An image of a 1954 example must retain that later date in its caption.