Description
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
Viewing: Tuesday 25th March from 1pm
Auction: Wednesday 26th March from 9am
Location: National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ
c. 1910 Ariel 500
3 1/ 2 HP Tourist Trophy model
Estimate
£7, 000 - £9, 000
An excellent restoration of a rare 500cc Ariel
Thought to be a 3 1/ 2 HP Tourist Trophy model
Supplied with lots of paperwork and a V5C
Like many British motorcycle companies, Ariel began producing bicycles in the late 1800s eventually progressing onto motorcycles in the early 1900s, in fact their first foray into the production of vehicles powered by an internal combustion engine was in 1898 when a tricycle powered by a 1 3/ 4hp De Dion engine was displayed at Crystal Palace in 1898. In 1902 Ariel introduced their first motorcycle with a 211cc Minerva engine. This model laid the foundation for Ariel's subsequent success as a motorcycle manufacturer prompting the introduction of an engine produced in-house. Between 1902 and 1909 Ariel relied on an inlet over exhaust configuration, however for the 1910 season they introduced a radical new design that utilised side valves mounted four and a half inches apart. The new power plant was manufactured for Ariel by White and Poppe of Coventry and displaced 482cc. Rated at 3 ½hp the new engine was installed in a conventional diamond frame and was initially offered in two forms, either as a direct drive machine or with a variable gear.
This stunning-looking example was discovered in the hayloft of a property when purchased by the vendor for redevelopment. Research suggested that this machine was a 1911 Tourist Trophy model and realising it was a rare find, in 2007 he commissioned an enthusiast to undertake its restoration to the excellent condition it is now presented in. The bike was in quite a state when found so is a real credit to the restorer, a Mr J. Tullett of Norfolk, who kept a photographic record of the process that will be included in the sale The house was located on the outskirts of Derby and had previously been owned by the head of the Rolls Royce factory located nearby so it was possibly his own personal transport with the 'R' registration number being issued only in Derbyshire. Since restoration the bike has been displayed in the owner's office, so looks as good as the day it was completed. With the help of the VMCC the original registration number was retrieved and the bike comes with all the documentation concerning this together with lots of other paperwork and books. Not run for a number of years it will require some recommissioning and is supplied with a current V5C.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
