Description
AJS 1930 R2 996 cc sv twin with “Swallow” sidecar frame# R 50941 engine # R2 50941
By the end of the twenties the financial situation of AJS was by no means positive: sales were continually falling and in 1929 for the third year in a row the company failed to declare a dividend to its shareholders.
In 1930 a 10% reduction in pay was made throughout the works in an attempt to reduce running costs.
The company made good motorcycles but 1930 had showed a big loss again and in the autumn of 1931 the company went into voluntary liquidation.
Matchless Motorcycles Limited of Plumstead, London, purchased the A.J.S. name, manufacturing rights, and good will for £20,000. BSA also put in a bid, which being lower was not accepted; consequently the 1931 AJS models would be the last Wolverhampton AJS machines.
The 1930 V-twin was designated “R2” and had bore x stroke of 84×90 mm, a 3 speed gearbox and dry sump lubrication with auxiliary feed to cylinder wall.
The design turned out to be very sturdy and reliable and after its restoration in the eighties this combination has covered many rally and holiday miles in England, Scotland, Wales, Eire and France.
Three previous VMCC presidents have owned it at various times.
She has been maintained well throughout the years and is an excellent runner.
However cosmetically she can be improved with some tender loving care..