1952 AJS Model 18 Pictures
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The attached photo is of Craig’s father. It was taken in the early to mid fifties in Australia. He worked as a civilian mechanic on or near the military base in Woomera Australia. It was there at this time that the United Kingdom tested its first atomic bomb. As for the motorcycle, I believe it is a Model 18. He recalls it as being a 1952 model year (he gets that from the last two numbers on the license plate) and he says it was a 500 c.c engine. Thanks to Mukul for pointing out that the manufacture of rigid bikes ended in 1949. Perhaps there was a delay in getting this one registered?
Great photo of a near new AJS and a great story. Actually a better story than you knew– Mukul is mistaken about AJS ending production of rigid frame motorcycles in 1949. According to Roy Bacon’s definitive “AJS and Matchless – The Postwar Models”, production of the AJS Model 18/Matchless G80 rigid models began in 1945 and ended in 1955. That fits with my experience owning a 1951 Model 18 — with that information stamped on the engine case (year and model).