This was the 'Porcupine' (See description). One factories answer to the All conquering Arthur Carroll designed, Norton Model 30, (Manx), and the (then) rise of the European (i.e. Italy), Multis from Gilera and the like. In practise it was disappointing, the Factory's 7R single with 3 valve heads being more long lived in use, and simpler to maintain. The bigger G.50 from the AMC Stablemate, Matchless, was very successfull in both Road Race and Scrambles form. AJS/Matchless also went down anoither blind alley with the G.45 500cc Racer based upon their 500cc twin cylinder Road bike.
The 350 AJS that most were familiar with was the model 16, which was a descendant of the WW II Matchless G3L. I had one. Its build quality in certain areas was superb, however in others appalling ! In performance it was nothing special, and with it's "seat & a half" somewhat uncomfortable 2 up. The old fashioned Lugged frame was heavy and the pressed tin Clutch casings leaked. AJS/Matchless were trading on 2 points. A deservedly proud history of good machines and (then) current demand for cheap transport. However the machines produced in the last 20 years of AMC were poor and nowhere near the likes of those raced by the Colliers and Stevens Bros in the early 1900s, the famous 'Big Port' of the 20s nor the 'Clubmans' models of the 1930s that were held in such esteem by riders of their day.
There was more competition from Triumph, BSA & Norton whose machines were, quite simply, better and more desirable in the 50's & 60's. The Mini really killed off such 'ride to work' machines. The effect of the Japanese wasn't really felt until 1970 when the shortage of decent British machines, coupled with sophoisticated new models attracted a whole new group of riders into motorcyclling. 70s Birmingham saw many Factories close, but paradoxically, had a thriving Motorcycle retail trade !
