1960 AJS Model 8 348cc

Albert John Stevens lent his initials to the AJS company but it was always to be a family firm involving Harry, George, Jack and Joe Junior. The first motorcycles were produced in 1909 and production continued until the firm was sold in 1931. Thereafter the name continued under Matchless and Norton Villiers. Since 1974 AJS appears on scramblers and lightweight machines. In 1938 AJS became part of a group managed by Colliers and known as Associated Motorcycles. The famous initials were subsequently to be found on several unique racing bikes, hence rekindling the competition successes of the pre-war years. The 1960 Model 8 had a 348cc engine. It was an attempt to update the very successful model 16 and aimed more at the daily use, ride to work fraternity rather than for out and out racing, and was and still is often favoured by female riders for its light handling.

This delightful example was the subject of an older two year restoration from 2010. It found its way to north Dorset with the present custodian in 2018 and has continued to be pampered and cherished. Most recent work carried out has included the fitting of a new alternator starter switch, plugs, a new battery and the rewiring of items on the main loom. In terms of condition now, the stylish motorcycle is very difficult to fault and we’d say it’s almost in concours condition.

The extensive history offered with the AJS includes tax discs, MOT test certificates, a copy instruction book, DVLA correspondence, useful mechanical maintenance information, a restoration guide for AJS and Matchless, a copy workshop instruction manual, lots of invoices (notably from the past ownership and the aforementioned restoration), the V5C registration certificate, correspondence and information on the motorcycle’s origins from Oxford County Council Archives, a Dating Certificate from the AJS and Matchless Owners Club, and correspondence from the Club from 2010.

Auction Date: 9 March 2023