AJW Motor Cycles

In the many publications concerning the history of Exeter there is no mention of the city's motorcycle industry. Arthur John Wheaton began assembling motorcycles during the summer of 1926 in a workshop forming part of the family printing works in Friernhay, off Fore Street, Exeter. The first two AJW's utilised a 496cc single cylinder engine from the Swiss MAG company and a 996cc Vee-twin powered by a British Anzani engine. Anzani had started manufacturing aero engines in 1912.

When production commenced in 1927 they were of the 996cc Summit (Anzani) powered units, with side-valve with some machines using an overhead-valve JAP engine. Machines were built using Brough Superior frames and engines (usually 500cc) from AJW, Jap and Rudge. Marketing was through Pride and Clarke in the Old Kent Road, London. Two of the most famous AJW creations were the 'Grey Fox' and the 'Red Panther'.

AJW machines were well built and expensive for the time with the top of the range costing £145 and even the standard priced model costing £115. The standard sportster could achieve 100 mph.

The business survived the slump in the motorcycle industry during the 1930's although the big racing Anzani powered vee-twin was discontinued in 1931. By 1937 the business passed into other ownership.

After World War II the company was sold to Jack Ball of Wimborne, Dorset. The last model built was the 125cc Fox Cub in 1953 when the supply of JAP engines ceased. In 1958 they produced the 48cc Fox Cub, and continued to sell it until 1964. AJW started importing 500cc and 125cc Italian manufactured lightweight machines with AJW badged tanks. They ceased trading in 1981.

No examples of the marque appear to have survived in the South West but the photo is of one of the last AJW machines. The AJW Collie was obviously intended for agricultural use and used a motor by Motori Minarelli.

© 2008 Alan H Mazonowicz

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