A J Stevens & Co (AJS), was founded by Harry, George, Jack and Joe Stevens on 14th November 1909.
Harry set about designing the first two machines called model 'A' and model 'B'. Model 'A' was the cheaper machine, and was fitted with a 2.5hp single cylinder, side valve engine and a direct belt drive.
1912 saw the launch of the model 'D'. In 1916, petrol was scarce and extremely expensive, due to the war. AJS, being inventive decided to use town gas instead of petrol. A large gas supply pipe ran along the back of the test bench and small branch pipes fed the gas directly into the engines. At the induction pipe entrance a bunsen burner attachment was fitted so that the quality of the mixture could be adjusted when necessary. The speed could be varied by turning the gas on or off at the supply.
The Ministry of Munitions prohibited the production of motorcycles except for military use, on 3rd November 1916. AJS was forced to cease production of its current products. In 1917, the Ministry of Munitions received an order from Russia for extremely large numbers of motorcycles to equip its armed forces. The order included machine gun carriers, ammunition carriers and light ambulances.
In 1920, the company decided to try to repeat the success that it had in the 1914 Isle of Man Junior TT. Harry developed a new 2.75hp overhead valve engine, and the TT machine included a 3 speed countershaft gearbox, which provided 6 speeds by engaging either of the 2 engine sprockets. It had a Thompson Bennett magneto and an Amac carburettor. The new machine did the trick, and Cyril Williams came in first. It was a good year as AJS greatly enhanced its reputation by winning a number of trials and races, and factory building continued at Graiseley Hill.
Early in 1921, a prototype three wheel car was produced with two wheels at the front and one at the rear, but it never went into production. The model 'B' was also reintroduced in March, using a 2.75hp side valve engine, 3 speed gearbox, chain drive, Amac carburettor, Lucas Magneto and sold for £95. It was listed as a touring machine and incorporated many new features.
In 1922, the price of the model 'B' was reduced to £85 and two new models, which were based on the model 'B' were introduced. The 'B1' was a standard sporting machine and the 'B2' was a stripped sporting machine. The 'B1' had TT pattern handlebars and footboards, the 'B2' had no kick start or side valance to the front mudguard, but included a lighter chain case.
In 1925, new letter codes were used for all models, starting with the letter 'E'. The models 'D' and 'D1' were now classified as 'E1' and 'E2'. Model 'E1' was the deluxe version with the sidecar having a glass windscreen, celluloid side screens and storm proof apron. The combination sold for £115. The 'E2' was the standard version and sold for £90. The 'E3' was the deluxe touring machine and the 'E4' was the deluxe sporting machine. Both models sold for £57.
The 1927 catalogue included eight production machines. The two versions of the passenger combination now called the 'H1' and 'H2' sold for £95 and £80 respectively. There were three machines all powered by the 349cc side valve engine, and were named the 'H3', 'H4' and 'H5'. The 'H3' was the deluxe tourer and the 'H4' was the deluxe sporting machine. Both machines sold for £48.10s.0d. The 'H5' was the standard sporting model and sold for £44. The 'H6' and 'H8' were overhead valve machines.
At the end of August 1931, a loss of £89,201 was announced and the shares fell in price. The company had previously taken out a loan with the Midland Bank to finance the commercial vehicle and car business. The bank decided to foreclose on the loan and although the company managed to repay the outstanding amount, it was left with only a small amount of working capital.
An extraordinary meeting of the shareholders was called on 2nd October, at the Victoria Hotel. A resolution was passed for the company to go into voluntary liquidation. John Todd Lewis of Agar, Bates, Neal & Company, of Birmingham, was appointed as liquidator.
Matchless Motorcycles Ltd purchased the AJS name and manufacturing rights for £20,000. Everything eventually sold and the creditors were paid in full by the end of September 1932.
Dawn has been interested in vehicles since an early age.
She has recently commenced researching the history of classic vehicles and wanted to share her findings with others by way of eBooks which can be found on her website www.classicmotorhistory.com/blog and the publications are downloadable.
She is currently researching several manufacturers and the website is being updated on a regular basis.
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