Associated Motor Cyles (AMC) Ltd

Plumbstead Road, London

AJS  &   Matchless

After World War II, Associated Motor Cyles (AMC) Ltd, London produced under the brand of AJS and Matchless almost identical motorcyles. After the War till about 1955, rigid machines were used in Trials comptetitions. They were derived from the war motorcycles. Hugh Viney was the top factory rider. Although rear springers from other makes appeared, the rigid back was still ridden by famous Trials competitors. About 1952, an AJS 16 MCS with springer tail was built for the works riders. But it was heavier than the rigid.

With the new springer 350 ccm model, Gordon Jackson became  the famous Trials star. He won many trials, was British Champion in 1955, 1959 and won Scottish Sixdays in 1956, 1959, 1961 (with 1 foot !), 1962.

Here a brochure from 1957

AJS 18 CS 500 Test Das Motorrad 1957

AJS Trial 16 C 350 Test Das Motorrad 1959

(different shock angle than 1957 model above)

The weight of the Trials 350 is claimed at 144 kg !!!
A dinosaur...needed strong men...

The Trials AMCs were built til 1964 with some minor changes.

The battle Gordon Jackson against Sammy Miller was going on for years. Most famous was Gordon Jackson's win of the Scottish Sixdays Trial 1961 with 1 foot !!! This foto is historic:

Mick Andrews became 2rd at the 1963 Scottish on an AJS 350, behind Sammy Miller on Ariel. Gordon Jackson was no more starting.

Finally, the AJS / Matchless were too heavy and no more competitive.

AJS Trial 16 C 350 Test Das Motorrad 1959

AJS 18 CS 500 Test Das Motorrad 1957

Part 2: AJS & Matchless today