Description
H&H Classic Auction @ National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
30th Oct, 2024 13:00
1965 Ariel Arrow
No reserve
Registration No: CKT 49C
Frame No: T31917
MOT: Exempt
Ariels monocoque framed two stroke twin
Owned and restored by an ex MGP racer
Supplied with green log book and a V5C
Like a lot of British motorcycle companies, Ariel began producing bicycles in the late 1800s eventually progressing onto motorcycles in 1902. After a typically rocky few years for manufacturers in the early part of the century, in 1932 Jack Sangster bought Ariel from the receivers at a bargain price. The company was renamed Ariel Motors (J. S.) Ltd, and promptly resumed production in a new factory in Selly Oak Birmingham and one of their first bikes produced was the Ariel Square Four designed by Edward Turner followed by the Ariel Red Hunter. The Red Hunter was such a success it enabled Ariel to purchase Triumph motorcycles, eventually becoming part of the BSA group in 1951. In 1959, Ariel discontinued its four-stroke machines and produced the Leader, a fully enclosed 250 cc two-stroke twin with a shapely body reaching from the headlamp back with the new model aiming to combine the benefits of the motorcycle with the advantages of a scooter. They also made the Arrow, keeping the Leaders enclosed chain case and deep mudguards but in a more sporty style. Both models proved to be the last true Ariel designs until the Japanese invasion lead to the closure of the factory in the mid 1960s.
This 1965 Arrow is being offered at no reserve from a deceased estate. It was restored by the late vendor, a retired Mechanical and Electrical engineer who had raced Yamahas in the Manx Grand Prix in the early 1970s who used his engineering skills to carry out an authentic rebuild managing to keep as much originality as possible. The bike has not been run for a while so it will need recommissioning before use and comes supplied with a green log book and a current V5C.
