c.1957 AJS 498cc Model 18C Trials
Frame no. 7920C
Engine no. 57/18 2764C

'At the end of the rigid's development with the ultra lightweight model announced in September 1953, those gleaming black machines with proud gold (AJS) or silver lining (Matchless) were the acme of the trials manufacturers' art, and were almost an exact replica of the highly successful works machines.' – Don Morley, Classic British Trials Bikes, Osprey, 1984.Using models based on the wartime Matchless G3 military machine, Associated Motor Cycles dominated the UK trials scene in the years immediately after WW2. Stars such as Hugh Viney and Gordon Jackson riding for AJS, and Artie Ratcliffe and Ted Usher for Matchless, won countless national events while clubmen everywhere favoured the Plumstead marques' products more than those of any of their rivals. At this time most riders favoured the 350cc mount for trials, 500cc models such as this one being comparative rarities, and today these reliable and easily managed models are much favoured in Pre-'65 trials events.

This nicely restored AJS Model 18C was purchased by Karl-Heinz Kalbfell in 2010. Presented in road trim, complete with lights, the machine is offered with the purchase receipt, (copy) German Fahrzeugbrief and TüV paperwork.