The photo shows a Norton engined/Matchless framed hybrid badged as an AJS - Phew! enough to confuse anyone.  Well, as jumbled up as it sounds, this factory original combination in the mid 60's resulted in a wonderful bike with very pleasing cafe racer lines that were not to be found on any other commercially available motorcycle of the time. 

Was it an economic success for AMC?.....sadly it was not.   The combination seemed to upset many purists who simply wanted either a "Matchless", "AJS" or "Norton".  Other reasons I have heard was that by this time the 'rocker' cafe  racer scene was on the decline.   Who knows what the real answer was? 

The bottom line was that only around 600 AMC CSR's were sold - 55 of which were badged as AJS.   I have seen sales brochures with pictures of a Norton version of the same bike (different tank badges only) but never seen any in real life - were there ever any sold as Nortons?  

Arguably, one of the best looking designs to leave the Plumstead factory, which still looks great.  Even in today's age of superbikes.

There are some subtle modifications in the pictured bike.  These include a twin leading shoe front brake plate (ex Commando) since removed though, as it was too good, bringing the the bike to a locked front wheel stop at 60 mph!, also has a 65' police special AMC issue tank rack (how rare is that!) and some rather useful looking silencers (mufflers) that look much better than the original cigar shaped mufflers that were provided by the factory.  - click on the picture to see more modifications including a very neat 'Crane unit' magneto replacement. 

For a detailed report about another hybrid,  (Frank Westworth's G15CS) click the scrambler picture below and follow the link.  Well worth reading, previous 'Owners Club' president, Frank, adds invaluable advice to the group every now and again.  Let Frank know what you think of his bike! 

Full sized scans of these documents can be found in Christian's archives' please follow the links and share the knowledge if you find that you have something that is missing from the archive - Rick Mann