1937 AJS Model 16 (350cc) Motorcycle

Description

The company AJ Stevens & Co. was founded in 1909 by the four Stevens brothers in Wolverhampton, with motorcycle production commencing the following year. Although of conventional design, the earliest AJS motorcycles proved highly successful on the track, culminating in taking out first, second, fourth and sixth places in the 1914 Isle of Man Junior Tourist Trophy. In the ‘20s, AJS made a name for itself with a new OHV single-cylinder engine that helped the Wolverhampton company score wins in the 1921 and 1922 Junior TTs. However, it took until 1923 before an OHV road bike was available, its 350cc engine nicknamed 'Big Port' thanks to the diameter of the exhaust pipe. With plenty of power and a lack of weight, the new AJS handled superbly and became one of the best regarded bikes of the era. At this time, the company produced a comprehensive range of models ranging from 250cc to 1000cc. Despite expanding into other products, AJS was struggling by the late ‘20s and the manufacturing rights for its motorcycle production passed to Matchless (and ultimately Associated Motor Cycles) in 1931. The depression was biting, however, and motorcycle sales fell drastically, with the company moving into light car production (building the Clyno Nine under license) in an attempt to remain profitable. The AJS Model 16 was powered by a 348cc OHV engine but otherwise shared much the same frame and componentry of its smaller 250cc Model 12 brother. In 1938 AJS was absorbed by Associated Motor Cycles and its bikes sold alongside Matchless, although the name continued to be linked to success in racing through the legendary 7R models.