AJS & Matchless Gold Portfolio 1945-1966 - Road Test Books
AJS and Matchless can both claim early involvement with the British motorcycle industry, originally as separate companies with their own identity. It was not until 1931 that AJS was acquired by Matchless Motor Cycles (Colliers) Ltd. when the recession of the late twenties forced the former into voluntary liquidation. AJS production was transferred from Wolverhampton to the Matchless factory in Plumstead, South East London, the two separate marques retaining their individual characteristics initially. As time progressed, production economies brought about rationalisation of design although the AJS and Matchless models were never identical in every respect, such was the strength of brand loyalty. When the production of civilian models resumed after World War 2, only 350cc and 500cc single cylinder ohv models were at first listed, but it was not long before each marque had its own 500cc vertical twin. They created quite an impact when they were launched at the 1949 Earls Court Motor Cycle Show, appearing with pivoted fork rear suspension at a time when others used the older, less satisfactory plunger-type units. The singles followed suit, with the exception of the competition models, and it was not long before pivoted fork rear suspension was adopted by most other manufacturers on their standard production models. The same could not be said of the crankshaft centre bearing arrangement used on the twins, however. It made an engine more difficult to dismantle and reassemble, whilst some considered it undesirable to have a crankshaft that was too rigidly mounted. Unswayed by popular opinion, this design feature was retained, even when the twins were increased in capacity in the never ending search for improved performance. AJS and Matchless also made an outstanding contribution to world-wide competition events, irrespective of whether it was in trials, scrambles or road racing, both before and after the war. Perhaps the most notable development was that of the AJS 7R racer, which made its debut in 1947, to offer the all-conquering Manx Norton of similar capacity serious challenge. Later came the Matchless G50, a 500cc version that was reputed to handle better on short circuits than the contemporary Norton. Only the Matchless G45 twin failed to make any lasting impact, largely due to its limited power band. During March 1958 lightweight 250cc models were introduced, built on a semi unit-construction basis. Somehow, they lacked the aesthetic appeal of their pre-war predecessors, as did the cleaned up versions of their 350cc and 500cc singles. When commonisation of parts became rife following earlier acquisitions of Norton, James and Francis Barnett, Associated Motor Cycles found themselves heading for oblivion and the company was acquired by Manganese Bronze in 1966. It was a sad end to two of Britain's best-known makes who had produced some very memorable motorcycles in their time. A total of 57 articles covering the Heavyweight & Lightweight Singles, 500, 600, 650, 750 & Racing Twins. Includes road tests, performance data, history, scramblers & more. 172 pages, over 300 illus. SB. SKU: AJ45BGP ISBN: 9781855203525
