AJS Model 16M

A 1946 AJS Model 16M motorcycle

Key facts

  • Year

    1946

  • Country

    Great Britain

  • Capacity

    348cc

  • Cylinders

    1

  • Valves

    Overhead

  • Output

    16bhp at 5600rpm

  • Performance

    78mph

  • Price new

    £125

  • Owner

    National Motor Museum Trust

  • Manufacturer

    AJS Motor Cycles Ltd, London

Introduced in 1945, the Model 16M was the AJS version of the wartime military Matchless G3L. The models only differ in the position of the magneto, in front of the cylinder on the AJS and behind on the Matchless. The frame is a conventional rigid design with ‘Teledraulic’ forks. First registered in February 1946, this bike remained with one family from 1947 until 2010.

The Stevens Screw Company Ltd of Wolverhampton started manufacturing motor cycles under the A J Stevens (AJS) name in 1909. In 1931 financial difficulties led to a takeover by Matchless and production moved to London. From 1937 the parent company traded as Associated Motor Cycles Ltd.

Possessed of good looks with performance and road holding in keeping

Motor Cycling
28 June 1945

View more

Panoramic view of the first floor of the National Motor Museum

Subscribe for updates

Get our latest news and events straight to your inbox.