1956 AJS 16MS

Lot details
Registration No: VFO 275
Frame No: A39542
Engine No: 5616MS27992
cc: 348
MOT Expiry Date: Aug 2009

AJS and Matchless had combined during 1937 to form Associated Motor Cycles, as a consequence, when civilian production resumed during 1946 there was little to distinguish between the Matchless G3L and G80 models and the AJS 16 and 18 variants other than the position of the magneto and badge on the tank. With an emphasis being placed on production, the company concentrated their efforts on the singles which were largely the same as the wartime G3L except for colour and the displacement of the larger models., however, their experience with hydraulic suspension gained during the war years resulted in the manufacture for the 1949 domestic market models ( there is some evidence of machines being built with a sprung frame from 1947 onwards for export) of a pivoted fork frame which was used on both the singles and the recently introduced twin. The new frame, equipped with slender damper units of AMC's own design, was superior to their rivals plunger based systems both in terms of road holding and comfort. The next major revision to the singles range occurred during 1951 when the original suspension units were replaced with the distinctive "jampot" units. Detail revisions occurred over the next four years, a new Burman gearbox had been introduced during 1952 and auto advance had been added during 1954 together with a full width front hub, which was revised for 1955 and joined by a matching rear one. For 1956 a new frame was introduced with a restyled, long thin oil tank and matching toolbox which also housed the battery resulting in what is arguably the best looking of the "heavyweight" singles family and the only year that the full width alloy hubs, Jampots and long toil tank/toolbox coincided.

This example of the 350cc AJS variant, typed the 16MS was re-imported during mid 1990's and fully restored. It has subsequently been used on a regular basis by the vendor for runs on fine days and is described by him as being in good condition in all respects with the proviso that there is a little bubbling to paintwork in places and some minor pitting to some of the chrome. It is offered with a Swansea V5C, an Mot certificate valid until the 5/8/2009, a road fund licence to the 31/7/2009, a file relating to the restoration including receipts and some photographs and a dating certificate issued by Classic Services.