c.1904 Ariel 3½hp, Registration no. unregistered Frame no. over-painted Engine no. A462

Important Pioneer, Vintage, Classic & Collectors' Motorcycles and related Spares and Memorabilia
c.1904 Ariel 3½hp
Registration no. unregistered
Frame no. over-painted
Engine no. A462
A company with its roots in the cycle industry, Ariel exhibited its first powered two-wheeler in 1901, employing a 211cc, 1½hp Minerva engine. Ariel's own 2¼hp power unit followed in 1903, but the Birmingham firm continued to rely mainly on proprietary engines. Ariel's first v-twin (powered by a 6hp JAP) was built in 1905 to contest the International Auto Cycle Cup Race on the Isle of Man, and a production version was made available for the following season. In 1909 a radical shake-up saw the existing range replaced for the following season by new models powered by White & Poppe's 3½hp, single-cylinder, sidevalve engine. The latter was remarkable for the distance between the valves (4½") but despite this peculiarity proved immensely successful, remaining a fixture of the range well into the 1920s, by which time Ariel had taken over its production themselves.

A relatively recent restoration, this very early Ariel is powered by a single-cylinder inlet-over-exhaust engine driving the rear wheel directly by belt, with the option of pedal assistance (by chain) when required. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to the origin and authenticity of this Lot's components prior to bidding. There are no documents with this Lot.