The 1948 AJS Model 16 is a civilian version of the Matchless G3 which was developed in 1939 and used extensively by British and allied forces during WWII. Rugged, dependable and relatively easy to tune, the G3 came out of the war with a good reputation which translated into civilian sales. The bike was also very economical to run, another strong selling point in post war England.
By 1947 riders had started converting the 16L to compete in the increasingly popular Trials races. A factory rider, Hugh Viney, won the Scottish Trials in ‘47, 48, and 49. The AJS Model 16 was produced (with many changes) into the mid 1960s.
The 1948 AJS Model 16L used a 348 CC air cooled overhead valve four stroke single cylinder motor that produced 18 HP with a four speed transmission for a top speed of 70 MPH. Teledraulic (AJS word) front suspension, rigid rear, drum brakes front and back and a weight of 365 LBS completed the package.
This particular 1948 AJS Model 16L (VIN# 012559) is in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and is listed as ‘renovated to make a clean driver.’ The bike has a Buy it Now price of $6,500 CDN (roughly $4,900 US)