1957 AJS 348cc 16MCS

• Believed ex-Michael Waller, 1960 ISDT
• Formerly owned by well-known moto-cross competitor Jack Hubbard
• ISDT scrutineering marks present throughout
• Believed to have been campaigned by Michael Waller 1960-1967

Using models based on the wartime Matchless G3 military machine, Associated Motorcycles dominated the UK off-road competition scene in the immediate post-WW2 years. In 1949 the production scramblers received the new swinging-arm frame that the works team had enjoyed since 1948; the trials models though, kept the rigid back end. The scrambles engine went all-alloy for 1950 and subsequently received different cams and larger valves before being redesigned with short-stroke dimensions for 1955. A new duplex frame appeared for 1960 and there were further engine improvements. AMC continued to develop its four-stroke scramblers to the end of production in 1969, but by then the days of such heavyweight machines were at an end.

This AJS 16MCS was formerly owned by well-known moto-cross competitor Jack Hubbard, who died in 2008. A former 'works' rider for AMC, Jack won his ACU Centre's Scrambles Championship many times; the Channel Islands' Sand Racing Championship; and the Eastern Centre Grass-track Championship. The date he acquired this AJS is not known but is certainly post-1980 (the last date recorded on the RF.60 'motorcycle inspected'). It should be noted that the logbook records two changes of engine.

The late owner was advised that the machine was ridden in the 1960 ISDT by Michael Waller, achieving a 'Gold Medal', in addition to being built and prepared by the Arter Brothers. '233' ISDT scrutineering marks are present throughout (n.b. Michael Waller's 1960 ISDT start number was '266'). Bonhams has located several images of Waller aboard the AJS (displaying the registration '32 HKK') in the 1960 ISDT. There is correspondence on file (dating from previous custodian Michael Bradbrook's ownership) stating that the machine was ridden by Michael Waller in the ISDT, Welsh 3-Days Trial and various other events from 1960 to 1967 which might explain the '233' scrutineering marks. The AJS & Matchless Owners Club advises that the machine appears to adhere to correct 1957 specification, including a period-correct gearbox. '32 HKK' no longer retains its original black fuel tank but that is only to be expected, as the machine was ridden elsewhere following the 1960 ISDT.

Recommissioned in 2022 by Roy Bellett of the AJS and Matchless Owners Club, the machine ran well but may require light recommissioning following a short period of inactivity. The machine is offered with a V5C Registration Certificate and the aforementioned RF.60 logbook, issued 1st October 1959, listing 'Arter Bros Ltd', then Michael Waller, and later Michael Bradbrook (among others). It should be noted that the frame has a secondary 'non-factory' stamp of '6844C', see AJS OC correspondence, but that "without doubt '7374C' is the factory original number". Worthy of further research, prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to the provenance and composition of this machine prior to bidding.