Office bearers for 2009/2010

President                       Chris Dodd

Vice President              Andrew Jeffrey

Secretary                      Keith Sandell

Treasurer                     George Clarke

Committee Member    Norman Cranston

Committee Member    

  ABOUT US

This Club is a section of the UK AJS&Matchless Owners Club Ltd.

The history of the Australian section starts in 1952 when the UK Club was founded and started as a loose association of downunder members of the UK Club spread across the continent. In 1980 a Newcastle (NSW) member initiated the inaugural Downunder Jampot Rally which over the years has developed into a National Club Rally and has attracted entrants from overseas. It is desirable that members from a different  state each year host the event. At the 1980 rally the Australian membership became more organised and professional establishing a formally Incorporated Association in 2003.

Meetings.

1. AGM at National Rally.
2. Local groups as organised.
3. Melbourne group meets the first Wednesday of the month at the Oakleigh Bowling Club.

Events.

1. National AJS&MOC (Aust) Inc Downunder Jampot Rally.
2. Victorian Alpine Ride.
3. Rides and exhibitions as organised locally.

Social Activities.

1. Local groups to organise.
2. To participate in the activities of other local Historic Vehicle Clubs.

Club Services.

1. Information Officer.
2. Technical Assistance.
3. Library.
4. Official web site and links to other clubs.
5. Table of restoration service providers.
6. UK Club provides the following;

AJS Four of the five Stevens brothers (sons of a blacksmith) produced their first motorcycle in 1897 using a proprietary engine. In 1910 to protect the existing name of their engines, it was thought necessary to introduce a new name for their motorcycles. After much deliberation, they chose to use initials only, and as only one brother, Jack, had two Christian names (Albert John), the new marque was christened A.J.S. Up until the take-over by Colliers in 1931 they produced a wide range of machines, some of which gained distinction in the TT. By 1930 the company held 117 world records but was in financial trouble. After 1931 the only true AJS's were the racing 7R's, Porcupines and the AJS Four.

Matchless was the trade name of Collier & Sons who originally produced pedal cycles in the late 19^th century. The first motorcycle was produced in 1912 and like AJS and other manufacturers they offered a wide range of motorcycles to the public. After the take-over of AJS there was a move to conformity between the two marques. In 1953 the Clubman range of 350cc and 500cc singles was produced, which was the basic stock of the post-war AMC singles we know so well.

AMC In 1938 Associated Motorcycles (AMC) were formed and eventually encompassed the marques of AJS, Matchless, Norton, Francis Barnett, and James. Post-war landmarks start with the production of 350cc and 500cc singles, developed from the legendary war-time Matchless G3 produced for the Army. From 1948 competition models of the singles were produced which gave the company some memorable wins.

In 1949 the first twin (500cc) was produced, later to be joined by a 600cc and 650cc twin in 1956 and 1959 respectively. On the racing circuits AMC were represented by the Porcupine (500cc forward facing parallel twin), the 7R (350cc o.h.c. single), the G50 (500cc Matchless variant of the 7R) and the G45 (500cc vertical twin).

In 1958 the range was joined by the 250cc and in 1960 by the 350cc lightweight series of singles.

In 1966 AMC went bankrupt and were taken over by Manganese Bronze Holdings, who formed Norton-Villiers, to take over operations. Four-stroke production ceased within a couple of years. Although the two-stroke trials and scrambles machines are still manufactured today under the AJS banner, the well-known four-stroke models became part of history. The Club is here to continue and preserve that history.

CONSTITUTION. AJS&MOC (Aus) Inc

AIMS

1.             To promote interest and support the restoration, preservation and use of

AJS , Matchless, AMC and Stevens products in general and vehicles in particular which are deemed to be classified as a historic vehicle by the Road Transport Authority.

2.             To encourage the research and exchange of information and ideas between members and contemporary organizations.  Establishing an information service database of owners, individuals, organizations and retailers who can provide services to AJS  & Matchless owners.

3.             To offer the services of the club, its members, vehicles and memorabilia to such

charitable organizations as may be decided from time to time.

OBJECTIVES

1.           To promote membership of the AJS & Matchless Owners Club Australia

          Inc and other Australian and overseas veteran, vintage and classic

          motorcycle clubs that support the marque by way of spares, technical

          information, organization and social activities.

2.           To organize and promote such events that are of benefit to the club and its members

3.           To assist in the promotion and organization of other historic vehicle rally’s, exhibitions and social events.

4.           To abide by and uphold all regulations of Road Traffic Acts and authorities.

5.           To establish a library for the preservation and reference point for all records, data, objects and memorabilia associated with the marque.

6.           Engage in such other activities associated or allied with all or any of the above objectives, which may be intended or calculated to promote a better and wider knowledge and understanding of Veteran, Vintage and Classic Motorcycles amongst club members in particular, and the public in general.

7.           To protect the members and Officers of the AJS & Matchless Owners Club Australia Inc from debts and liabilities of the club.

8.           To do all such things and acts conductive to the furtherance of the objectives and interest of the club.