1964 AJS 347cc Model 16C Trials Experts

• Less than 1,600 miles from new
• Two owners from new
• Original and unrestored
• Believed from the final batch of AJS 16C competition machines

During World War II the G3L model was one of the livelier WD machines and were little changed during the course of the war, save for the introduction of the 'Teledraulic' forks in 1941. After the conflict, AJS announced the model 16M as soon as possible, to get back into civilian production. Basically the WD G3L model, with a different paint scheme, it was to remain in the range with variations until 1966. The Model 16/G3 and Model 18/G80 were part of the AMC range in an unbroken line stretching through to 1966, and were the basis of numerous road and competition variants along the way. Strong competitors in trials and scrambles disciplines, they were used by top riders in both, and riders such as Gordon Jackson, Hugh Viney, Bill Nilsson, and Dave Curtis campaigned the AMC products.

The private vendor knew this machine and its first owner from new. It was registered by the supplying dealer, Dalin's Motors Ltd of Derby, before going to the first owner, John Alexander of Derby. Alexander used the AJS for only two club trials, and when the opportunity to buy it arose in 1971, our vendor snapped it up. He used the machine only sparingly, and never for competition. The mileage on consignment was 1,589 miles, and, unusually for an off-road competition machine, most of those miles have been on the road, not off it. For most of its life, this machine was on display in the showroom of his motorcycle dealership. When he subsequently retired from business, the AJS went home with him. With the exception of the addition of an oil tap, ARC 560B remains exactly as it left the factory in 1964.

The vendor believes this machine to be from the final batch of 16C competition machines to leave the factory in 1964. A clipping from a 1992 issue of Trials and MX News (copy on file) tells the tale of Ralph Venables' AJS 16C machine from the final batch, which has engine number 4818, and frame number 10870. This vendor's machine is 4817 and 10876.We hope to have more information to hand by the time of the sale. The original green R.F60 log book mistakenly lists the frame number as 108761 instead of the correct 10876, and this mistake has transferred to the (old type) V5C. An unusual opportunity to own what is probably one of the most original AMC trials machines on the planet. Documentation consists of the old-style V5C, the original old green RF.60 log book, the copy of the TMX clipping, a handbook, and some expired MoT certificates. Key not required.