The rigid framed AJS Model 16M 350 cc single was developed in 1945 from the military Matchless G3/L World War II motorcycle.

Well proven in war service, the 350 cc single remained in production selling large numbers to the civilian market well into the 1960s.

In the 1950s this record was beaten by another AJS Works Team rider Gordon Jackson, who won the Scottish Trial four times.

[5] In 1964 the AJS Model 16C was launched with a completely redesigned 348 cc engine in which the pushrods were housed in cast cylinder barrel 'tunnels'.

[4] To boost US sales the AMC marketing team rebranded the ageing export Model 16 with the new name The Sceptre with new metal tank badges and steel flywheels instead of the old cast iron ones.