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AJS & MATCHLESS

Post-war, the London-based AMC factory in Plumstead was turning out a range of solid and purposeful motorcycles with AJS and Matchless branding. Their singles and twins were mechanically identical, with differences limited to branding and trim. AMC were pioneers in the use of telescopic forks and swing arm rear suspension, and had a broad range of models – from 250cc singles to powerful 750 twins. While they eschewed major technological development on their road models, they did build a series of sophisticated racers, such as the DOHC AJS Porcupine, the 350 AJS 7R, and the 500 Matchless G50. AJS and Matchless models are less imbued with cult status than their rivals, and consequently the AJS and Matchless models can be considerably cheaper. A good single from the 1950s can be had for less than £3,000, and a 500 or 650 twin for not a great deal more. Cheapest of the lot are the 1960s ‘lightweight’ singles. The owner’s club is active and friendly, and spares are easy to find, making an AMC four-stroke a solid bet for those starting out in classic ownership.

ARIEL

Premium branding was an important part of British motor vehicle production into the 1970s. It was a good way of attracting buyers who wanted a little more quality and a little less flash.

Ariel was the premium brand for parent company BSA, who bought Ariel in 1951, getting the services of Edward Turner into the bargain. Bikes were made at the Ariel factory in Selly Oak, and paintwork was carried out in a disused cinema opposite the factory. The Ariels were smartly made and of high quality. Between 1945 and 1965 they built sporty two-stroke twins, a range of tough singles, a sidevalve sidecar hauler, a pair of twins and a legendary four. And a terrible three-wheeled moped.

Ariel used Burman gearboxes and a pre-war dry clutch rather than raiding the BSA parts bin. The mighty Square Four was a superbike before the term was coined. In 1958 they shocked their regular buyers by dropping almost all their range and replacing it with a radical two-stroke twin with full enclosure, and then followed this with a stripped down sports version popular with a generation of teenagers who found themselves suddenly stuck on a 250 until they lost their L-plates. Mechanical spares availability is good, thanks in no small way to the owners’ club and specialists Draganfly.

Bodywork is harder to find and will involve many happy hours rummaging through autojumble boxes. Prices are reasonable, although the Square Four attracts a premium.

BSA

Once upon a time, BSA claimed that “one-in-four is a BSA” and it was no idle boast. In the 1950s, 5000 workers turned out BSA motorcycles at the Small Heath factory in Birmingham, while the company employed another 23000 making guns, bicycles, London cabs and Daimlers. They were specialists in modern metal-making techniques. The company was headed by the flamboyant Lord and Lady Docker, who famously drove a gold-trimmed Daimler and bought a Welsh castle with company funds.

The BSA range of motorcycles was massive and were exported all over the world. With vast