By Next to feature in Road Racing News Famous TT Marques series is another UK racing legend, 66 times podium finishers AJS.
AJS (A.J Stevens & Co.Ltd) founded by Joe Stevens, as a company first emerged in 1909 and soon after made the decision to compete at the TT Races.
It wasn’t long till the Wolverhampton based firm enjoyed TT success as Eric Williams led a 1-2 finish within the Junior race from 1914.
Six years later and another Williams would provide AJS with Junior race honours as Cyril Williams took the class spoils.
One year later the blue riband Senior TT title would go to AJS thanks to the exploits of Howard R Davies. Another Senior class crown would follow in 1922 as iconic Manx racer Tom Sheard clinched International road racing’s biggest prize.
The 1930’s provided mixed results for the AJS brand who were going through challenging times. Main highlight of the decade TT wise for the Associated Motorcycles owned company from 1938, was Jimmy Guthrie’s Lightweight TT triumph from 1930.
Following decades provided mixed fortunes on the fabled, mythical Mountain Course but AJS’s distinction as true TT royalty continued.
Star names throughout the past 70 years to pilot AJS steeds have included Rod Coleman (1954 Junior TT winner), Alistair King (1959 350 F1 TT winner), eight times World Champion Phil Read MBE, Les Graham.
Four times World Champion Hugh Anderson, Peter Williams, Tommy Robb, Harold Daniell, Bill Doran and Bob McIntrye.
Photo by Nick Wheeler
Same as fellow famous names such as BSA, Greeves, Seeley, Manx Norton, AJS continues to enjoy strong publicity on Manx shores courtesy of the 2013 inaugurated Classic TT Races.
The late but great Chris Swallow placed 7th within the 2017 Junior Classic race stint whilst added highlights have included next generation roads stars Adam McLean and Paul Jordan, placing 6th, 10th respectively within the most recent Junior Classic races.
Words by Stevie Rial
